Malls are more than meccas for consumers. Some mall goers shop for the latest fashions or fads, such as Manolos or brown and white snake ankle boots. Others shop for a special gift, or a markdown of an expensive J. Crew shirt. And some are just looking for love. Socializing is as important as shopping to the variety of people who frequent malls, especially among younger people. Some of the reasons shopping malls appeal to so many people are obvious ones such as the convenience of one-stop shopping. Other reasons are somewhat subtle. This essay will discuss some of the reasons people are attracted to "life in the mall."
Urban malls, such as the impressive San Francisco Shopping Centre located in the heart of San Francisco, are destinations for shoppersBlocals and touristsBas it offers 65 stores on nine floors including a five-level Nordstrom department store which even as a spa! Chatting up one of the pretty young women who works at the Spa, I learned that busy executives may yearn to relax there, but most of the customers are well-off female housewives who have leisure time during the day when their children are in school. While a woman may go to the Spa on her own, she is more likely to go with a friend or two so that their trip to the mall turns into a day's outingBa place to relax and get away from the daily chores of life without traveling. Spa gift certificates are also popular at Mother's Day.
For younger people, about 12 to 22 years of age, the attraction of the mall is other people. It's a place to hang out with your friends, look over other people your age, and maybe meet someone new. Most young people hang out in groups near the movie theatres, although the foot court is another popular place. A 14-year old 8th grade girl named Courtney told me that she and her friends are very brand conscious and like to see what other people are wearing as well as what the stores have to offer. Courtney and her friends we...