Cross Everything Off Your Holiday Checklist At Willow Grove Park

This Patch article is sponsored by Willow Grove Park.

Willow Grove Park is a super-regional shopping center just north of Philadelphia. Home to both a Bloomingdale’s and Primark location, the merchandising mix caters to the trade area’s sophisticated shopper. From photos with Santa to extended holiday hours, the mall is offering plenty of seasonal events and deals throughout the holidays.

Debi Gilson, regional marketing director of PREIT Malls, which represents Willow Grove Park, tells Patch all about the mall's top shops, restaurants and attractions, as well as their upcoming first annual Snowflake Social on Dec. 7. Read on to learn more.

Patch: How long have you been in this industry?

Gilson: I have been "marketing malls" for nearly 35 years. I sort of fell into it from my special-events experience and have been privileged to market two of the largest and top-performing malls in the USA - Westfield Garden State Plaza and King of Prussia Mall. As the industry has had its ups and downs with naysayers forecasting doom and gloom, malls are here to stay! We are evolving to meet our customers' and community's needs.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger, what would you say?

Gilson: Willow Grove Park is where savvy shoppers from Bucks and Montgomery counties, and North East Philadelphia, come to shop in a beautiful, safe, easy-to-park-and-navigate mall.

Patch: What are some of your favorite new additions to Willow Grove Park?

Gilson:

• Yard House — an American sports bar with more than 100 beers on tap — joined the lineup on Dec. 2.
• Aeropostale and Hollister have just reopened brand new store prototypes as well — just in time for teen/tween gifting.
• Don't miss the new Cinnabon located on the 3rd level next to Bath & Body Works — a must- have for Christmas morning.
• Studio Movie Grill — a 12-screen full-service theater, dinner menu and bar with tableside dining, lounge seats with tray tables and reclining lounges — will open in spring 2020 with blockbuster movies.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Gilson: From millennials and empty nesters to young families, all come out to enjoy the festive decorations and holiday traditions we offer. During Black Friday shopping, teams dressed in matching Victoria's Secret pajamas to snag the best deals and to support the following community partnerships:

1. YMCA of Willow Grove Membership Drive
2. Salvation Army Kettle Drive
3. Abington Hospital Giving Tree
4. Fox Chase Cancer Center's Holiday Gift Wrap

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Gilson: Come mix and mingle at our first annual Snowflake Social from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7.

Get rewarded for shopping when you spend a total of $125 on Saturday, Dec. 7, at any combination of Willow Grove Park stores and restaurants. Show your same-day receipts at any one of our snowflake stations for access to our holiday shopping party.

*Same-day purchase required.

Please plan your shopping trip accordingly to enjoy the following interactive seasonal experiences:

• Wine Tasting with Mountain Lake Winery
• Meet & Greet with Elsa and Olaf
  • 4 to 6 p.m. 3rd Level Nordstrom Rack Wing
  • 6:15 to 8 p.m. at the brand new Yard House at Willow Grove Park
• Hot Chocolate Bar with all the fixings
• YMCA of Willow Grove
• DIY Holiday Craft- Sponsored by The Franklin Institute Worst Case Scenario
• Agora Cyber Charter School
• Spin the Willow Grove Park Winter Wonderland Wheel to win exciting holiday "gifts to re-gift" from your favorite retailers.
• Receive a Willow Grove Park s'mores mug

For a complete holiday shopping guide please visit our website.