Capitalizing on its shoppers’ love of movies, Puente Hills Mall incorporated a “Show Time” theme into its annual sidewalk sale.

West Park Mall cut through the clutter, running a single newspaper ad that appealed to locals’ interests to promote its sidewalk sale. That move was a success, with most merchants reporting a 20% increase in sales over the previous year.

Layton Hills Mall raised gift certificate sales 362%, in part by identifying and updating records of local businesses and corporations. Local businesses then received a free movie kit, complete with a spoofed film promoting Layton Hills gift certificates.

To promote its upcoming food court, Laguna Hills Mall ran a three-week series of teaser ads, inserted a coupon folio into 50,000 newspapers, a shopping bag into another 50,000, and distributed 75,000 flyers on the opening day.

West Manchester Mall had 50 boys and girls competing for prizes in a Pocahontas and John Smith look-alike contest. Afterwards, shoppers were encouraged to stay for the back-to-school fashion show.

Centre Laval asked shoppers to participate in an adventurous sidewalk sale, featuring a 10-day nautical-themed bargain hunt. A sampling promotion was developed in order to keep the food court tenants involved, which boosted food sales and raised awareness of the restaurants.

Exit surveys showed that customers made purchases around the time of their birthday, so Huntington Beach Mall—in conjunction with Traffic Builders—started inviting locals to pick up a free birthday gift at the mall.

Scarborough Town Centre created a unique fashion event to heighten its fashion image, and gave graduating fashion design students the chance to win $1,000 and promote their work.

To attract customers to its new loyalty program, Lougheed Mall combined a direct-mail piece, a four-page flyer, and a gift-with-purchase offer. Card-holding members of the program could receive a ladies fashion watch by redeeming $125 in sales receipts.

Hampton Towne Centre’s “Letters to Santa” campaign brightened spirits, while “Power Play” gave children the opportunity to come to the center and play with some of the season’s hottest toys. Posters advertised the toys’ locations and prices, and merchants displayed counter cards with gift suggestions. Sales were up 11%, and Santa photo sales increased by 33%.