NJ Mall Has Change of Heart, Drops Fee to Sit on Santa's Lap
The mall responded to Facebook backlash by making photo packages optional.
— -- A New Jersey mall is making its way back onto Santa's nice list.
The Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill had a change of heart after some people got hot under the collar about having to pay for a photo package if they wanted to meet Santa Claus at the mall. After the criticism spread to Facebook, the mall announced today that it is not requiring people to pay for a photo package.
The mall's "Adventure to Santa" experience gives people a chance to "embark on a virtual sleigh ride to visit Santa, Shrek and his friends," according to the mall's website. The attraction offers three photo packages ranging from $35 to $75, with the option of $12 add-ons.
Tiffany Soberg said she was excited to take her 9-month-old daughter Mina to see Santa for her first Christmas, but was disappointed to find out about the fee, and expressed her disappointment on Facebook.
"I don't want to be required to buy the package if I don't like the pictures," Soberg told ABC News today. "I'll just go to King of Prussia mall instead."
After seeing the criticism, the mall responded by announcing the photo package is now optional.
"In the spirit of the holiday season, we want to keep things festive and bright," a spokesperson for the mall said in a statement to ABC News today. "We have heard and value our loyal customers' feedback and as a result, we've decided to no longer require a minimum photo package purchase to visit with Santa."
The mall hopes that families around the region check out the "must-visit holiday destination," the spokesperson said.
The response to the mall's announcement has been mostly positive. Customer Carla Winrow, of Secane, Pennsylvania, said she is happy her family can now meet Santa with no charge. Winrow was also one of the customers who had expressed her disappointment on Facebook.
"I am thrilled that Cherry Hill Mall made the correction so quickly," Winrow told ABC News today. "I am happy that all children will be treated equally and mom and dad can use that $50 towards spreading the holiday spirit."