: Macy’s is bringing back Santa for in-person visits, but only with a reservation

Santaland will close on Dec. 24.

Read: Walmart, Target, Home Depot and other large retailers are chartering ships to bypass supply chain problems. Will the strategy save Christmas?

Visits will also be contactless, with guests having a socially-distanced holiday conversation with Santa.

A virtual experience is also available for those who want to bypass an in-person visit. Guests can log on from Nov. 26 through Dec. 24.

Macy’s has hosted visits with Santa Claus since 1861. Macy’s has also decorated its windows for the holidays since 1874. That will make a return to select Macy’s locations this year as well.

Stores across the nation will also feature Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. And Santa will be available on social media.

Macy’s announced last month that the annual Thanksgiving Day parade will be live and in-person again this year.

And: 70% of Gen Z shoppers plan to do their holiday shopping in stores. Here’s how the modern brick-and-mortar experience is changing.

Retailers have been sharing their holiday plans over recent weeks, with Walmart Inc.
WMT,
+0.80%
saying Monday that its “Black Friday Deals for Days” event would be back in November, Target Corp.
TGT,
+3.23%
kicking off holiday promotions earlier this month and Kohl’s Corp.
KSS,
+3.47%
announcing holiday season discounts for those who opt for in-store pickup.

Macy’s stock has soared in 2021, up 151.1% for the year to date. The ProShares Decline of the Retail Store ETF
EMTY,
-1.41%
has tumbled 31%. And the S&P 500 index
SPX,
+0.34%
is up 19.5% for the period.