Swedish gnome sets up holiday workshop to spread the gift of joy and happiness at its home away from home
Though international travel bans may keep Malaysians away from Sweden, it will not stop the Swedish gnome from bringing festive cheer to Malaysians. This Christmas, IPC Shopping Centre stays true to its Scandinavian roots and welcomes back its beloved Tomte to set up its holiday workshop. Bringing the gift of giving, joy, and happiness to the community, the ‘Tomte’s Holiday Workshop’ features a weekend holiday market, shopping delights, and exclusive rewards from now until 3rd January 2021.
As this marks the 17th year of IPC serving the community, the neighbourhood shopping centre calls upon the young and the young at heart to be part of the Swedish-inspired holiday experience. With the workshop in full swing, families and friends can experience the gift of togetherness as they assist the Tomte in catching as many falling presents as possible through an interactive augmented reality screen in the concourse area. They can also step into the heart of the workshop and be captivated by the hanging lights that represent the gift of magic.
Tomte’s Weekend Holiday Market at IPC Shopping Centre
As more than 50 per cent of households globally spend more on local businesses during the pandemic[1], the Tomte has invited local vendors to set up their stalls at the Holiday Market every Saturday and Sunday, starting from 12th December until 3rd January 2021.
During this period, visitors can take a stroll through a wonderland of local artisans and speciality shops filled with unique handicrafts, trinkets, and more while they enjoy the outdoor breeze at the alfresco area located at Level G, near the main entrance. This initiative also serves to connect the community with the people behind the businesses and highlight local talents. Moreover, small business owners can use this as an avenue to nurture their gifts in art and entrepreneurial skills while growing their reach.
“This year has been a heart-warming experience as we saw many Malaysians rise to the occasion and selflessly help others in need,” said Mark Tan, Marketing Manager of IPC Shopping Centre. “As we step into a new year, we want to carry this communal spirit of togetherness with us. Over the years, our Swedish roots have helped elevate the Christmas spirit as it brought forth a more profound connection. The activations planned always revolve around engaging with the people around us. During our redevelopment, we introduced Christmas in a Box in collaboration with HOPE Worldwide Malaysia to provide groceries, school supplies, and toys to 100 families in need. Subsequently, the Swedish-themed celebrations, Swede-est Christmas and Wondrous Winterland both highlighted the elements of Christmas in Sweden and created a deeper bond within families through the various activities.
The Tomte was brought back this year because of its unique heritage in the Swedish culture. Tomte is believed to be a mischievous and protective creature that is reputed to safeguard its community, especially during dark and long nights. We hope that like the Tomte, IPC Shopping Centre will continue to be the companion of our community, bringing them joy and safety as they visit us in the years to come.”
The Giftmas Season
Giving and receiving are significant parts of Christmas. As shoppers receive gifts for spending, IPC also empowers them to experience the joy of giving to those in need. Due to a shortage of blood supply in the nation, IPC is raising awareness on the noble deed of saving lives through a blood donation drive. In support of University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), The Red Gift: Blood Donation Drive will take place from 10am to 4pm between 29th December 2020 to 3rd January 2021 at Level 1, in front of King Koil.
Families can also capture picture perfect moments with the Sma Club Buddies and Tomte mascots as they walkaround the shopping centre to hand out sweet treats to children from 5pm to 6pm on selected weekends and public holidays.
In conjunction with Christmas and IPC Shopping Centre’s 17th anniversary, the community shopping centre has prepared an exciting line-up of holiday presents and rewards for their visitors.
‘Tomte Holiday Presents’ for IPC shoppers as follow:
- Redeem one (1) 2021 IPC table calendar | With a minimum spend of RM150 in two (2) receipts
- Redeem one (1) Tomte’s 2-in-1 collapsible lunchbox | With a minimum spend of RM600 in three (3) receipts
‘Tomte Holiday Presents’ and IPC 17th anniversary rewards for members of IPC’s loyalty program, Tack Club Members as follow:
- Redeem one (1) 2021 IPC table calendar | With a minimum spend of RM100 in two (2) receipts
- Redeem one (1) Tomte’s 2-in-1 collapsible lunchbox | With a minimum spend of RM500 in three (3) receipts
- Redeem one (1) RM10 Tomte’s Jolly e-voucher | With a minimum spend of RM200 in two (2) receipts
- For weekends only, every 17th new Tack Club member that signs up on the IPC Shopping Centre mobile app will receive one (1) complimentary RM10 Tomte’s Jolly e-voucher.
For more information about IPC Shopping Centre’s ‘Tomte Holiday Workshop’ campaign, its list of festive activities, mascot walkabouts, or the presents and rewards, visit www.ipc.com.my/TomtesWorkshop.
[1] The Road to Recovery 2020 Shopping Peaks Re-Imagined Study by Rakuten Advertising.
