Saturday, November 28, 2015

How To Be a VIP At The Mall - The RBC Avion Holiday Boutique


I don't think many people typically like the mall at Christmas time. Stalking people walking through the parking lot in order to get a parking space, wearing (or carrying) an uncomfortably warm winter coat, fielding the kids' constant requests for snacks (or just pleasing your own demanding tummy). Not to mention finding the perfect gift for each person on your list.

I can solve some of these problems for you. Well, I'm not actually going to solve them, but I will tell you about a luxurious service that can. Once again this year my family and I will take a break from holiday shopping in Toronto's busy Yorkdale Shopping Centre by hanging out in the RBC Avion Holiday Boutique. How does this solve our shopping woes? I'm gonna tell you.




RBC Avion cardholders (whether personal or business Avioners) get free valet parking at Yorkdale. No struggling to find a parking space. Check.

Avion cardholders have access to the peaceful, sparkly, relaxing Avion Holiday Boutique, where they will find an exclusive coat check for those heavy winter coats and packages. Problem number two solved. Check.




There is food in the boutique - an actual café, in fact, with cookies and candy canes for the kiddos (and mom too, of course), plus beverages such as coffee and tea. Snack problem solved, free of charge. Check.



Okay, RBC Avion Holiday Boutique staffers can't buy the gifts on your shopping list, but they can help you out with the gift wrapping. Once you find a perfect gift, bring it on back to the boutique to be wrapped while you continue to shop. That deserves a check I think.


There is also a holiday book library to keep the kids entertained, as well as holiday magazines for adults. See the concierge to check out a charger for your devices. And take advantage of a comfortable chair and free Wifi.


I was lucky enough to attend the official opening of the Yorkdale Avion Holiday Boutique, and was treated to beverages, hors d'oeuvres, Christmas carolers and a visit from rapper Kardinal Offishall, who judged a gift-wrapping contest. (Participants wrapped some of the many toys that RBC is donating to SickKids this year.)

Me at the Yorkdale RBC Avion Holiday Boutique opening with Christine from Amidst the Chaos.

RBC Avion Holiday Boutique Locations


The RBC Avion Holiday Boutique is a unique, exclusive program that creates a significantly better holiday shopping experience for RBC Avion cardholders (Avioners). Besides the boutique at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (November 21 to December 31), a boutique is available in Burnaby, BC in Metropolis at Metrotown (November 21 to December 31). RBC Avion "Experiences" can be found in Halifax at the Halifax Shopping Centre and in Ottawa at the St. Laurent Centre (both November 27 to December 24).



Services You'll Find At The Avion Holiday Boutiques

  • Free Valet parking (Yorkdale Shopping Centre only)
  • Coat and parcel check
  • VIP lounge and café (with charging stations and free Wifi)
  • Concierge services
  • Complimentary gift-wrapping service (the public can access gift-wrapping services for a fee, which is donated to SickKids Hospital)


Services You'll Find At The Avion Holiday Experiences

  • Gift wrapping voucher at in-mall gift wrap centre
  • Snacks and beverages
  • A festive holiday gift


Get more information by visiting the RBC Avion website. Travel lovers take note - the Avion card earns you great points towards the flight you want, when you want it! Check out RBC on Facebook or follow @RBC_Canada on Twitter. Check out the hashtag #AvionVIP to see others hanging in the boutiques.

Are you an Avion cardholder? Will you take advantage of these amazing services this holiday season?


Disclosure: I am part of the RBC® Avion Holiday Boutique Influencer Campaign and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

10 comments:

  1. Time is money and I don't have time to stalk people for a parking spot at Christmas either! I didn't know RBC Avion members got free valet parking!!! You have caught my attention!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the free valet parking is a beautiful thing Tammy. :)

      Delete
  2. We have one at Metrotown in Burnaby, BC this year! I'll definitely by there. I hate lugging around my huge winter coat through the whole mall, so my favourite part is definitely the coat check.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great Olivia! Enjoy! (I can't stand carrying a heavy coat around while balancing shopping bags either.)

      Delete
  3. I have to use this next year! So relaxing and I love the gift wrapping!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you need to do this. Pamper yourself! :)

      Delete
  4. I wish they were coming to Calgary! I love my Avion card!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe that's next! Calgary's where it's at, right?

      Delete
  5. Wow what a cool idea. It definitely solves the problems that cause me to hate holiday shopping at the mall!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think this idea will bring a few people back from online shopping! ;)

      Delete