Random acts of kindness make shoppers smile

Shoppers have been surprised with bunches of flowers, chocolates and luxury hampers over the past few weeks as part of St George’s Shopping Centre’s Random Acts campaign.

And this week shoppers have had an extra surprise – with a Santa’s elf appearing at the till to pay for their shopping!

It’s all part of an effort to give people a nice surprise this Christmas and has also involved parking tickets which read ‘Your Parking Is Fine’ being placed on car windscreens and drivers being rewarded with a gift card for one of the centre’s shops.

To add to the personal touch, a lift porter spent the day meeting and greeting shoppers in the centre’s lift and a piano has been placed in heart of St George’s for people to play.

One lucky shopper Rachel Ploom had her shopping paid for in M&S. She said: "I can't believe you're doing this, I've had some really bad news this week and this has just made my day, thank you, it's so kind."

Andrew Stringer, general manager of St George’s Shopping Centre, added: “Everybody loves a surprise and that’s what this is all about. It’s a way to say thank you to our loyal customers. The response so far has been wonderful and we’ve enjoyed being able to put a smile of people’s faces.

“We know on these dark winter days there’s not always much to be cheery about but we’re doing our best to show our shoppers they’re important to us.

“Our Random Acts will be continuing throughout December and we’ve even got elves with us every Saturday to make a note of people’s Christmas wishes, who knows what that might lead to!”