Santa May Lose His Mall Gig Thanks To Covid
The Covid age may have a big impact one one tradition: the Mall Santa. Santas usually have packed schedules between November and December, but many are already reporting a steep cut in bookings.
According to HireSanta.com founder Mitch Allen, they expect bookings to be down between 25 and 40-percent. In a good year, a “real” Santa can pull in as much as $10-thousand. Of course, many venues are still finalizing their plans, so all may not be lost. Simon Property group, which owns several malls across the country, says that kids can visit Santa at their locations.
DeVargas Center in New Mexico has come up with a plexiglass divider that still allows kids to talk with the jolly old man and get that traditional picture. Most Santas are even willing to do personal visits…with social distancing included. Afterall, he’s in the high risk group. Can Santa take advantage of Zoom? We’ll find out! No matter what, not even 2020 can keep Santa away.