It took a while of time killing to finally make that weekday trip to the mall. This is a big favorite with people I know, however, the jury is out for me classifying this as a favorite. Yes, it's less crowded (big issue with me), plenty of parking, no traffic, no lines. So you can't really blend into the crowd and you become a TARGET of opportunity for those poor sales people lurking in their stores' doorways like Tijuana hookers. I had to rehearse my response as I approached every one of these anxious barkers. "No thanks.. I have enough candles." "No massage chair for me. Vibrations cause bladder discomfort".. "I don't drink tea unless it's cold".. It reminded me of being in one of those Caribbean cruise ports where you politely turn down every pitch. OK, this wasn't as bad and everything was legal but I will be better prepared next time.
Yes, I'd say there was about 75-100 shoppers in the entire mall. Each store I cut through had one or two so I had to duck away from the perfume spritzers. I thought this was a good sign as my quest was the Apple store.. Yet, I'd say that at least 50% of that mall crowd of 75-100 were IN the Apple store. Every T-shirted Apple employee seemed to be in "conference" with a customer. I could overhear snippets of their conversations as I planted myself at the iPhone counter. I read everything there was to read and was thinking about getting one as my current phone looks like a Tonka toy. I usually don't want sales help because I know how to buy a sweater. I was in there for quite a while and started feeling less interested (a personality flaw) after reading the AT&T plans (I had my AT&T bill which makes no sense).. Both my son and wife have iPhones so I wanted to be able to be at their levels. Of course you know I left the store. I will have to return with one of them so I can regain my comfort zone to buy this phone. I need to be in that zone to shop..
The funny thing is I'm not afraid of technology (I love it).. Before leaving for the mall, I advised a friend who called on what kind of flat screen TV to buy and how to go HD. Always easier when it's not you although I did admit to her I count on my son to advise on all such matters..
So the trip was not wasted. On the way out I passed by Foot Locker. There were no doorway sales pitchers. I needed new sneakers and I was regaining my comfort zone. No big deal. I looked at their 586,000 pairs, listened to the piped-in techno rock and let a nice sales person lead me to some great running shoes at a nice sale price. Running? I think the last time I ran more than 10 yards was on 9/11...
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Oh man..the good old days of 9/11. The economy was only in a downturn for a couple of months. I forwarded this blog to the boys and some friends. I thought they would enjoy the paranoia and in particular the mention of bladder since that is all they EVER hear from me!! OH, the train comment .... it was Billy!!
ReplyDeleteI just went to the mall recently for the first time in about 5 years. Unfortunately I had no choice. But at least I did go on a weekday too. Strategically that is the best time to go.
ReplyDeleteIt's not foolproof, but if you walk fast and avoid eye contact (eyes on the ground is best) you can mostly avoid the barkers and spritzers. It probably would help if you wore a trench coat and mumbled to yourself but that might attract the attention of mall security.
I realized after the visit that I could have been more efficient if I had known the location of the store I needed to visit in advance. They must have that nifty diagram online, don't you think?
By the way, you have the same sense of humor as your sister.