By Kyle Denson
Glistening trees and brightly lit garland draped over escalators guide customers through a joyful transformation that only occurs for a few months each year. Cheerful music and children’s laughter filled the Roosevelt Field Mall in Uniondale as Santa sat in his vibrant sled, waiting to meet the youngsters.
Roosevelt Field is Long Island’s largest shopping mall and the ninth largest in the United States as of 2023. The complex houses nearly 300 retail stores and spans more than 2.3 million square feet.
Retailers nationwide expect a rise in spending this season, surpassing the $1 trillion mark and up about 4% from last year, Newsday reported. At Roosevelt Field, employees have been preparing for an increase in shoppers.
Melissa Portillo, a replenishment associate at Primark in the mall, said the store has taken steps to prepare for an expected increase in visitors. “We started picking up again recently,” Portillo said. “We started hiring seasonal employees last week or two weeks ago. I saw a bunch of new people getting a tour of the store.”
Portillo also noted that Primark had not begun marking down prices for the holidays, but she said the promotions would begin soon.
“[My managers] said next week they will,” she said. “They’re probably going to have to do the price changes on things.”
Among shoppers, there is some disagreement about the holiday rush. Not everyone is convinced that this year feels any different from previous ones.
David Rivera, a casual shopper, said the crowd levels this year so far have been inconsistent.
“As of the past month. I think I might have actually noticed a decrease in customers, but this week seemed to be a little bump,” Rivera said. “This year seems to be around the same level of busyness I feel as it was last year.”
Rivera said he did not think customers are feeling the pressure from the “holiday overhaul” to engage in shopping or activities. “I don’t think people are starting earlier this year,” said Rivera.
Roosevelt Field put up its decorations immediately following the transition from October to November, with many Christmas trees and festive displays spread throughout storefronts.
Big-ticket stores like Macy’s and Bath & Body Works have teased their Black Friday offerings with signs throughout the stores promoting “early access” to deals.
“Everything at the mall is way more expensive than it would be online,” said Orellana. “I bought my brother a hoodie for like 70 bucks that would definitely be like 30 bucks online. Corporations try to make it seem like you’re getting this great, grand deal, but you’re really not.”
Celeste Orellana said inflation and online retailers influence how she approaches buying gifts.
It’s safe to say the holiday season is in full swing at Roosevelt Field, with customers and employees feeling the late wave of the shopping rush and the mall making changes to meet their expectations.
In addition to decorations, the mall began offering a meet-and-greet opportunity with Santa on Nov. 7. Located on the first floor by Primark and Dick’s Sporting Goods, children can meet the jolly gift-giver and purchase photo packages starting at $39.99.
