Young shoppers in Edmonton received special assistance with their Christmas gift buying this holiday season through an innovative program at a local antique mall. The Old Strathcona Antique Mall established a top secret shopping area specifically designed to help children purchase presents for their family members independently.
A Special Holiday Shopping Experience
The unique initiative, reported on November 23, 2025, provided children with their own dedicated space to browse and select gifts without parental supervision. This carefully organized area allowed young shoppers to maintain the element of surprise while finding the perfect presents for their loved ones.
According to coverage by CTV News Edmonton reporter Gates Guarin, the antique mall transformed part of its establishment into a child-friendly shopping zone. The setup ensured that children could experience the joy of selecting gifts themselves while receiving appropriate assistance from staff members.
Creating Magical Christmas Moments
The secret shopping program addressed a common challenge many families face during the holiday season - how to allow children to participate in gift-giving while maintaining surprises. By creating this dedicated space, the antique mall enabled children to experience the excitement and responsibility of choosing presents independently.
The timing of the initiative, beginning in late November, provided ample opportunity for families to participate in this special shopping experience well before Christmas Day. The program demonstrated how local businesses can create meaningful community traditions that support family holiday activities.
Community Impact and Holiday Spirit
This heartwarming initiative from the Old Strathcona Antique Mall represents the kind of community-focused programming that makes holiday seasons special for Edmonton families. By understanding the needs of both children and parents during Christmas preparations, the mall created an experience that combined practical assistance with magical moments.
The success of such programs often inspires other local businesses to develop similar community-oriented activities. As holiday shopping continues to evolve, initiatives like the secret children's shopping area demonstrate how traditional retail spaces can adapt to create memorable experiences for younger generations.
This Edmonton-based holiday program showcases how simple, thoughtful adjustments to regular operations can significantly enhance family holiday experiences while supporting local business during the important Christmas shopping season.
