GGP Kicks Off Back-to-School Fun for Teens And Families With Great Shopping, Musical Performances, Gift Card Giveaways And More!

CHICAGO, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Spicing up your back-to-school look with a fresh, new wardrobe will inspire compliments from classmates and help boost confidence when walking down those crowded hallways. To make the school shopping experience a rockin' good time, General Growth Properties (NYSE: GGP), mall owner and operator of 167 centers across the country, will host two exciting back-to-school programs, Shop Til You Rock and Family Recess, tailor-made for teens and families.

Shop Til You Rock, a music-inspired mall tour that empowers teens to look and feel like rock stars, is back for its second year. Teens are invited to watch live performances by some of today's hottest bands, participate in exclusive activities and take advantage of special mall offers, prizes and sweepstakes, including a chance to win valuable shopping sprees and a gaming system.    

Shop Til You Rock will travel to 38 GGP malls across the country from July 23 through September 10.  Visit www.ShopTilYouRock.com for a complete list of event dates, bands and play-lists and download the exclusive Shop Til You Rock iPhone app.  

Family Recess kicks off back-to-school fun with family-friendly activities, including games, music, special deals, prizes and a chance to win a family vacation for four (4) to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Orlando, Florida.  The sweepstakes package includes: park admission; discover KSC: Today and Tomorrow guided tour; Lunch with an Astronaut program; a space shuttle merchandise package; and two nights (2) hotel accommodations.  Family Recess travels to 21 GGP malls across the country from August 6 through September 10. Visit www.ggp.com for participating malls, event dates and retail offers.  

The Shop Til You Rock and Family Recess programs also reward shoppers with a $20 mall gift card, while supplies last, when they spend $150 or more during the event.  Plus, cool interactive mall activities include:

• Center Stage – Center stage features an event emcee/DJ, freeze modeling and nonstop fun, including games, trivia and a prize wheel.
• Gaming Station – Teens can experience and play one of today's hottest games, "Just Dance 2."  This fun and interactive station includes discount offers, fan challenges and prizes.
• "DIY" Station – Kids can get creative and customize apparel and hats with a variety of cool airbrush designs.
• Band Meet & Greets (exclusively at Shop Til You Rock) – Fans get up close and personal with featured bands and have an opportunity to purchase their music and promotional merchandise.
• PEPSI® Refresh Lounge (exclusively at Shop Til You Rock) – Teens trade in PEPSI® bottle caps to receive a PEPSI® branded drawstring bag. Plus, they'll have a chance to vote for their favorite PEPSI REFRESH PROJECT® and make a difference.
• Sierra Mist Natural Putting Challenge (exclusively at Family Recess) – Shoppers get to put forth their best putting shot and "hole in one" winners will receive great prizes.  

Steve Kemble, America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru and GGP Trends Expert, offers Rockin' Back-to-School Tips and Suggestions:

These back-to-school fall trends offer common ground for parents and students and are sure to win over everyone's tastes.

Embrace Team Spirit

Whether it is their dream college or their family's alma mater, university inspired clothing is taking over casual wear. From hoodies to zip-ups, tees to sweatpants, the competition is fierce. Just don't be caught wearing your best friends rival!

Groovy Inspirations

Put away your miniskirts and make room for maxis. Not only are maxi dresses a new favorite, but maxi skirts are making a splash onto the fashion scene. With plenty of colors, patterns and styles to choose from, there is a maxi designed for everyone.

Play with Patterns

Picking stylish patterns can be tricky, but these frocks are sure to stand out from the rest! Floral rompers, polka dot dresses and bold graphics are huge this season. Even celebrities, such as Lauren Conrad, the Kardashian sisters and Nicole Richie have been spotted wearing these favored fall looks. Win over your peers with some classroom savvy by also decking out notebooks and planners in these fun and colorful patterns.

Sport Eco-friendly Materials

Eco-friendly picks are in. Have you joined the green movement yet? Why not shop for clothing that offers sustainable or recyclable fabrics, including organic cotton and bamboo. They are produced without pesticides and contain breathable fibers that are softer on your children's skin leaving them feeling comfortable all day.  

Jump into Jeggings

What started off as a slow trend recently has boomed into a fashion favorite across all ages.  "Jeggings" come in an array of fun washes, mimicking a great new pair of jeans. The fabric is thicker making them more durable and the extra stretch make jeggings a playtime favorite.  Plan a shopping date with friends and their kids for a fun play date everyone will enjoy.

Rock out in 80s Garb

The rock style trend sweeping across the teen scene has made its appearance on children's clothing. Don't worry, kids clothes aren't transforming skulls and crossbones from punk to adorable, they are incorporating bright colors and 80s-inspired stripes for boys and polka dots for girls. Mix and match outfits for an adorably chic style.

Give Students the Mall

When you give a mall gift card, you give students the option to decide what they really want the most.  Whether it's a great new outfit or the latest gadget, students will love the ease and independence of selecting their back-to-school purchases.

About GGP

GGP is one of the nation's largest shopping center owners.  GGP has ownership and management interest in 167 regional and super regional shopping malls in 43 states. The company portfolio totals 170 million square feet of space.  A publicly-traded real estate investment trust (REIT), GGP is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP.

SOURCE General Growth Properties

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED