/ The Collection at RiverPark
Surfer Santa poses with guests. Courtesy photo.
While most shopping centers promise children a chance to meet and take a picture with Santa Claus, The Collection at RiverPark goes a step further and surprises customers with the opportunity to meet other lively personalities – one, familiar face from holiday fables, and another, a SoCal take of the classic Old Saint Nick.
Throughout the month of December, Scrooge and Surfer Santa will be perusing the streets of The Collection seeking shoppers to mingle with to give surprise holiday gifts.
For example, everyone’s favorite holiday villain, Scrooge, can be spotted strolling through The Collection’s retail stores “bah-hum-bugging” the holidays. As he speaks to shoppers at the cash registers, he experiences a change of heart and finds the holiday spirit. Lucky guests are surprised when Scrooge helps them pay for their holiday purchases. He also challenges guests to a Let’s Make a Deal type game for gift card giveaways.
When queried about why The Collection has gone beyond having a traditional Santa Claus, Marketing Manager Stefanie Muegel explains, “We really wanted to enhance our guest experience for customers of all ages by having entertaining characters who engage with them while holiday shopping fun. Who doesn’t love a good Scrooge and a fun Surfer Dude?”
Surfer Santa, a younger, svelte version of Santa Claus, who dons board shorts and carries a surf board, can be found weekdays at The Collection from noon until 3 p.m. choosing “Surfer Santa Approved Gifts” from up to three retailers each day and label them with a custom tag. Customers who take a selfie with Surfer Santa and upload it with a custom hashtag have the chance to win one of Surfer Santa’s Approved gifts. One Grand Prize winner is selected each day to win all the items featured by Surfer Santa.
Surfer Santa is performed by Jason Alexander Charchan, a fitness expert and actor living in Los Angeles. He’s had success guest starring in popular televisions shows, such as “Criminal Minds,” as well as the big screen in “Marvel’s Captain America.” Charchan has found a niche playing a fit version of Santa at holiday parties and events which he has been doing for the past five years.
About The Collection at RiverPark: The Collection at RiverPark is a 700,000 square foot, open-air specialty retail center located in the heart of West Ventura County. Inspired by the beauty of the California coast, The Collection reflects the unique atmosphere of the surrounding seaside communities. The Collection is built around a town grid of retail streets, each of which has its own personality-a carefully crafted assortment of established and contemporary designer shops, distinctive dining, and signature entertainment venues. Anchors include Target, Century RiverPark 16, REI, Whole Foods Market, H&M, 24-Hour SuperSport and The Container Store. Restaurants include Yard House, Larsen’s Grill, Gen Korean BBQ, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Maria’s Italian Kitchen and more. Follow us on the web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Vine at TheCollectionRP.