Zoom isn’t just for staff meetings and the business world anymore.
That much has been gleaned with the long-running impact of COVID, as more and more everyday occurrences take a virtual tone. The video conferencing software provider (Nasdaq: ZM) has been enlisted to help with the holidays for the Irvine Company’s retail division.
The Newport Beach real estate developer is offering virtual visits with Santa and has also launched augmented reality experiences throughout its centers, adding a contactless, high-tech touch. It’s the first time this is being done by Irvine Co. Retail Properties, using software from Costa Mesa-based Evara VR.
The Zoom video calls with Santa run through Dec. 24, with $25 getting kids one hour scheduled at a time of their choosing via booking systems at the websites for Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center.
There’s also an augmented reality experience using QR codes activated at specific locations, depending on the center, that offers photo ops with AR characters once the code is launched.
Irvine Spectrum Center, Fashion Island, The Market Place, Woodbridge Village Center and Woodbury Town Center all tout the AR feature.
South Coast Plaza also went virtual with its annual tree lighting, hosted this year by American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Misty Copeland Nov. 19. The program was streamed through their website in addition to the center’s Instagram.
When it comes to pictures with Santa, South Coast Plaza is still offering them in person in an outdoor setting near its Crate and Barrel wing with physical distancing guidelines being enforced.
