NorthPark Gold Returns
One of my favorite gifts that I received at a Christmas gift exchange was a pile of NorthPark Gold. After a short suspension, I am happy to learn that the traditional gold coins are back and available for purchase starting tomorrow. So, where did it go? Christine Szalay, Director of Marketing and Tourism for NorthPark Center tells us, “Last year NorthPark Gold sales more than doubled. We ran out during the holidays (usually do about 10 days before Christmas) but this time it was weeks earlier in November – because of higher sales. In the process of managing the program, we realized that we need to change the minting process. Fortunately since we have a gift card in place – we were able to continue gift card sales and it gave us time to get a new batch of NorthPark Gold minted – which has been received and deposited to begin circulation with this re-launch.” The gold is good for use in any of NorthPark’s 230 shops, restaurants, or entertainment venues.
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Sounds like Christine Szalay is doing a kickass job of “managing” the program. Basically, she is saying it is wildly popular and they always run out right before Christmas – that is, when they’re not changing the minting process mid-stream. Pretty awesome Director of Marketing and Tourism for Northpark.
I LOVE those gold coins in the pretty red velvet bag…and just in time for Mother’s day. *sends this link to father of my child*
I went to NP before Christmas and tried to buy NP gold. They were quite rude when I asked why it wasn’t being sold. (I’m sure they were questioned 1000 times a day, but that doesn’t excuse their irritation.) They had the nerve to charge $ for the privilege of buying an AMEX gift card. I felt ripped off knowing the recipient wouldn’t be too excited to see the gift card instead of the adorable red pouch. A little better damage control (i.e., an apology) would be appreciated.
Translation from the rarified and complicated dialect of Marketing:
“Last year NorthPark Gold sales more than doubled.” Translation: Yeah, we know there’s a problem but we want to start out any communication by patting ourselves on the back. Go NPark!
“We ran out during the holidays (usually do about 10 days before Christmas) but this time it was weeks earlier in November – because of higher sales.” Translation: It’s supply and demand, mall walkers! Go complain to Adam Smith.
“In the process of managing the program, we realized that we need to change the minting process.” Translation: I don’t want to explain the process because it’s complicated and involves the Franklin Mint. And I don’t want to say that we goofed and ran out.
“Fortunately since we have a gift card in place – we were able to continue gift card sales and it gave us time to get a new batch of NorthPark Gold minted – which has been received and deposited to begin circulation with this re-launch.” Translation: Quit yer bellyachin’ and red sad sacking around. I know the gift card may have charges attached to it and is not shiny and attractive but don’t act like a grackle. Move on. You will get your coins when we are good and ready, mall rats.
As someone who has spent way to much time wondering the Galleria … always wondered why they got rid of their ‘gold’ coins. They seemed to have vanished a few years ago.