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December 7, 2016

Mindful of Amazon, malls use tech to hype Santa

  • Malls have installed virtual sleigh rides and laser displays to lure shoppers away from buying online.
    • By JOSEPH PISANI
    AP Business Writer

    NEW YORK — Hop on a virtual sleigh ride to the North Pole. Stand on the “Naughty or Nice O'Meter.” Snap a selfie and see your face on a dancing elf. The Santa experience has gotten a makeover as many malls install shows and games they hope will lure shoppers who are buying more online.

    About 40 malls in the U.S. and one in London have the high-tech Santa displays, most of them located near major cities that tend to house pricier stores. Taking photos on Santa's lap costs about $30 and up, around the same as at other malls, but most of the malls say people can walk through without purchasing anything.


     
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