Having just returned from the mall, I remember what I dislike about them. Other than visits to Grapevine Mills mall, which doesn’t count because it’s an outlet mall, I haven’t been shopping in a mall for years. I’ve met people at the Galleria, but not for shopping. Tonight, I went to a local mall for shopping. Ugh.
First of all, it was at least 80 degrees in there. Too hot for humans, much less too hot for shopping, but at least I got my workout in by walking the length of the place twice (yes, I got lost) in hot yoga temperatures. I also tried on several items, burning more calories.
Then, there is the level of service. When I go into Ross or TJ Maxx, I don’t expect any service. I don’t even expect the clothes to be on the racks. At a department store, I do expect to be helped–or at least asked if I need help. I don’t want to have to hunt down a salesclerk to go into a fitting room. I don’t want to have to hunt down someone to cash me out. I want service. I am paying for it.
And there’s the last thing. Mall prices are insane! If I hadn’t been looking for something in particular, I’d have gone to one of my outlet stores, but since I needed one particular thing, for a very specific purpose, I went to the mall where I was guaranteed to find it. I paid twice as much as I would have at Ross, but the odds of Ross having it were twice as slim, so I guess it evens out.
I stopped at the Lancome counter for some eyeliner and a set of their mini perfumes, and my purchase qualified me for a free gift–if I was willing to leave my purchases there until January 31, when the gift was available. Say what?! No. When I pay for something, it comes home with me.
On the plus side, it turned out to be a very nice mall, with a good variety of stores and several play areas for kids. So, if I’m inclined, I could take Thor back with me.
The Outside Lane 