They are called pop-up stores. Stores that take up empty retail space for a limited time. More and more malls are using pop-ups to provide unique experiences with hopes of driving extra foot traffic; instead of using online retailers like Amazon.com.
The Town Center at Boca Raton has two of them. And The Gardens Mall has three such shops; they've donated space to local charities to raise money for their causes.
First, the Kids' Corner Holiday Pop-up Shop is just around the corner from the "big man" himself.
"When the kids go visit Santa they get these magic golden coins where they can go use them to shop for things," says Danielle Dumas, Director of Marketing for the Arc of the Palm Beaches.
Three magic coins are given to the children by Santa.
"When they realize they can pick out anything their faces light up, they are so excited... They can not believe it. And then, most likely their parents end up getting them more coins," laughs Danielle.
Extra coins, all to benefit The Arc of the Palm Beaches who has a second pop-up at the mall offering free gift wrapping; something you don't get when you order online. And, if you tip for their services 100% of the money goes back to the foundation.
You can buy build-a-bears, Hamilton Jewelers pieces, artwork and more. Last year The Arc raised tens of thousands of dollars.
Also taking up a donated space is Big Dog Ranch Rescues "PUP-up Shop" where you can play with puppies after 1 p.m. each day, buy lots of holiday-themed gifts for your friends and pet, sign up to foster, even apply to adopt a new family member or sign up to volunteer.
"So we're saving the lives of animals by selling the products we have here; and all of that, 100%, is donated back to the ranch," says Store Manager Jennifer Odam.
The store manager thinks it's smart to donate the pop-ups spaces, "Cause you can buy a purse anywhere, you can get clothes anywhere, you can't get this anywhere," laughs Jennifer.
The mall's pop-up stores will be open through Christmas Eve.
