Malls launch promotional events to lure shoppers

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In an effort to lure more shoppers, many malls around town have planned to hold a string of events during the holiday season.

In celebration of Christmas and New Year, Mal Taman Anggrek in Slipi, West Jakarta, will launch its second Happy Holidays promotion on Dec. 13, which will last until Jan. 5. This promotional event is being held following the success of the mall's first one, which started at the beginning of the Ramadhan fasting month and ended just last Sunday.

Upcoming events will include musical entertainment from the Quartet Chamber, the Nathania Ministry Choir and Orchestra, Duo Instrumental Music and Equilibrium Acapella, as well as a model search and a fashion show.

The famous local comedy group, Project Pop, will top the list of entertainment during the Happy Holidays promotion with their appearance on Dec. 20.

Plaza Indonesia in Central Jakarta will be the venue for an onstage acapella performance and a children's choir from Dec. 18 to Dec. 24, while men and women on roller blades are ready to give away balloons and candies to children in the mall from Dec. 12 to Dec. 22.

Meanwhile Kiki Asmarani, a public relations staff member for the Plaza Atrium Senen in Central Jakarta, said that a series of events, including musical performances, were being prepared for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

She said that the mall had organized special Idul Fitri promotions, which successfully attracted a large number of spectators.

The enthusiasm shown by visitors during the Idul Fitri holiday in Plaza Senayan, South Jakarta, went beyond organizers' expectations.

"Never before has there been as many visitors as this year's Idul Fitri. It was unusual. The shopping center was not this crowded last year on the first and second days of Idul Fitri," Budiyono, general manager of Plaza Senayan, told the Post on Tuesday.

"Hopefully this will continue through the Christmas and New Year holidays," he added.