NEWS RELEASE
UPPER CANADA MALL
*************************
Holiday shopping will look different this year as York Region introduces capacity limits at shopping centres before one of the busiest shopping days before Christmas.
Upper Canada in Newmarket and Hillcrest in Richmond Hill have digital tools and services available to support customers before they venture out to do their shopping as malls are now required to restrict the number of shoppers to ensure social distancing.
Customers are being advised to shop alone and plan visits to avoid peak shopping periods between noon and 5 p.m. Real-time capacity updates will soon be available on the centre websites and should be checked before shoppers plan their visit. During peak periods, there may be socially distanced line-ups before shoppers can enter the centre.Many retailers at Upper Canada and Hillcrest have promotions that extend beyond this weekend. Promotions will be updated daily on the shopping centres’ websites.
Live text and online chat support has surged in use since retail resumed in the spring. Shoppers are encouraged to continue using the service at (Upper Canada: 905-218-1630; Hillcrest: 226-210-1015) or online as they plan their shopping visits.
Guest service staff are available during operating hours to offer updates on everything from line-up status at stores right through to suggesting gift ideas to help customers plan their visit before arriving.
Other digital tools and services offered to help customers navigate holiday shopping under these new restrictions include:Search. Find. Shop.
Our ShopNOW service makes it easier than ever to search for products before you visit. Find the gifts you’re looking for. Plan your trip. Save some time. Visit Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest to browse products now.
In-Centre mapping
Plan every step of your visit with the directional map on our website. You’ll also be able to choose a parking spot to plot the best path possible. Upper Canada Map and Hillcrest map
Line management
Many Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest retailers are offering or plan to offer line-management systems. These may involve online check-in, scanning of QR codes or simply leaving your number to receive text notification when you can enter the store.
eGift cards
Oxford gift cards are a popular stocking stuffer, and recipients can use them at any store within the centre. This year, the cards are available online and can be personalized with a photo or video message.
The Oxford eGift card also offers a group gifting option where you can collect contributions on one card to celebrate milestone events or special occasions.
Five per cent bonus offer
Throughout November, a five per cent bonus will be applied to the total value of any gift card purchases of $500 or more.
Curbside pickup
Many stores are offering curbside pickup with dedicated stalls. Participating retailers can be found on our Curbside Pickup page along with a map of the locations. Purchases and pickups are made directly with each retailer.
Extended holiday shopping hours
Extended hours begin Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 and will continue until Jan. 4, 2021. Customers are encouraged to plan to shop early or to shop late to avoid peak shopping periods between 1 and 4 p.m.
Upper Canada:
- Extended Hours begin Nov. 28: Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Black Friday (Nov. 27): 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Dec. 24: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Dec. 25: CLOSED
- Dec. 26: 9 a.m – 8 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Jan. 1: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hillcrest:
- Black Friday (Nov. 27): 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Nov. 27 – Dec. 23: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25): CLOSED
- Boxing Day (Dec. 26): 9 a.m – 8 p.m.
- Dec. 27 – Dec. 30: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- New Year’s Day (Jan. 1): 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Jan. 2, 2021: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Jan. 3, 2021: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
*************************
