Everybody's a Winner at Eastern Hills Mall
Don't miss the chance to drive away in a 2007 Saturn Sky convertible
by KIMBERLY M. KARCHER Editor

Dealer Adam Obstein hands out poker chips to lucky ladies Judy Sirianni, front, Linda Klipfel and Ellen Kaminsky at Eastern Hills Mall "Everybody's a Winner" Vegas-themed holiday promotion. Photos by Joe Eberle

If "luck be a lady" then that lady must be Eastern Hills Mall.

At 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24, the mall will unveil its holiday season, Las Vegas-style casino, open to all Club Eastern Hills members.

"When shoppers come in to the mall, they can go to mall services and present their Club Eastern Hills Mall membership card," said Ellen Kaminsky, marketing manager for the mall. "They will then be presented with a high-end, Vegas quality poker chip."

Kaminsky said shoppers can then take the chip down to the mall's Vegas themed casino area near the International Food Court and place it on a number of their choice.

"One of the attendants will spin the huge prize wheel, and if your number comes up, you're eligible to enter to win one of the top three prizes," Kaminsky said.

And these are not your typical, run-of-the-mill door prizes. Eastern Hills Mall is about to make the holiday season a whole lot merrier for some of its shoppers.

"Our grand prize is a 2007 Saturn Sky Convertible," Kaminsky said. "The second prize is an all-expense-paid vacation for two to Las Vegas, Nev., and the third prize is a $1,000 gift certificate for a party at Dave and Buster's. These are top-of-the-line prizes. It's just amazing we can do something like this for our dedicated shoppers."

The prize wheel doesn't end there either.

"Even if your number is not selected, everyone who plays will receive a free prize," Kaminsky said. "And what's even better, you can play every day, increasing your chances to win the car, the trip or the party and still receive a free gift courtesy of Eastern Hills Mall on a daily basis.

"You're guaranteed to walk away with a prize every day, every time you play," she added. "We truly mean it when we say, 'Everyone's a Winner at Eastern Hills Mall.'"

Kaminsky said another exciting point of the promotion is the daily prizes the mall will be giving away.

"We have some compelling gifts to offer," she said. "There will be giveaways for free hot dogs from Ted's Hot Dogs; the new Brick Oven Bistro will be open, and they will be offering specials as well. We will have a brand new coffee kiosk in the mall, which will be giving away goods, too. There are just a variety of prizes to give away. It's very exciting."

Not a current member of Club Eastern Hills? No problem. Joining is simple and quick, and there is no charge.

"Joining Club Eastern Hills Mall is easy, and the best part is that it's free," Kaminsky said. "All you have to do is visit mall services located at Center Court, fill out your membership application and receive your membership card. After that, you're on your way, winning prizes every day."

The mall has been gearing up for this promotion for the past couple of months. Marketing assistant Karen Garrow has been the behind-the-scenes ringleader for the event.

"Karen is the creative force behind the incredible Las Vegas casino set," Kaminsky said. "She designed it, made all the signage and worked her magic into one of the most spectacular special event sets that Western New York has ever seen."

In past weeks, mallgoers have been curiously gazing at the large blue curtain that is adorned with the sign "The Sky's the Limit." And come Black Friday, shoppers will finally get the opportunity to see all the glitz and glamour that is "Everyone's a Winner at Eastern Hills Mall."

"This is going to be the biggest promotion in Eastern Hills Mall history," Kaminsky said. "We are so excited, this whole thing has been kept under wraps, and now we cannot wait for our shoppers to get to take part in this."

And there are no worries about waiting in line for your chance to take a spin of the wheel.

"The gaming area will be very organized, and players will flow in and out smoothly" Kaminsky said. "We know our shoppers are here for their holiday needs. And on top of buying great gifts for family and friends from the many retail outlets here at Eastern Hills, playing 'Everyone's a Winner,' will give shoppers the chance to get a little something for themselves, too."

And for shoppers who can't find that perfect gift for mom, dad or whoever is on their list, Eastern Hills is the only mall that continues to offer gift certificates with no extra fees and no expiration date.

"Gift certificate sales have exploded, and it's wonderful that we can still provide that free service to our customers," Kaminsky said. "There shouldn't be fees on top of the cost of a gift certificate, and we realize that. Our certificates are good in every area of the mall, from outlets to the International Food Court to the numerous kiosks set up throughout the mall."

The mall is also offering a new play area for children.

"We are opening the first prototype for a Fisher-Price play area in the mall," Kaminsky said. "The play area will be located between Orvis and J.C. Penney. It is exciting that Fisher-Price has chosen Eastern Hills as its first location for something like this."

The Fisher-Price play area will be operational by the holiday season.

"It's going to be great for the kids who come shopping with mom and dad," Kaminsky said. "Dad can sit while the kids play, and mom can take care of all her shopping needs."

"Everybody's a Winner at Eastern Hills Mall" is open to Club Eastern Hills Mall members ages 18 and over. The promotion ends Sunday, Dec. 24. The mall is located at 4545 Transit Road. For more information, call 633-1600.