What’s the worst thing about holiday shopping at the mall?

Reading most of the posts, I guess I should tell the real reason why I shop at home. About 15-20 years ago I went to our local mall to purchase last minute gifts in the afternoon. The sales that year were many and the prices excellent. When I emerged from the stores I had many packages and the key to the car in my hand. What I didn’t know was that a man in the parking lot was lurking between cars and watching my every move. He wasn’t anyone I knew. If it wasn’t for a dear friend that I had not seen in some time who knows what would have happened. She saw the man and felt he was up to no good. She beckoned me to her car and we stood and talked for a few minutes before returning to the mall stores where we found a guard who walked me to my vehicle and helped me load the packages. We didn’t see the individual again, but rest assure, I have not ventured to a mall alone since. So, for all you shoppers, please be careful at all times, especially during the holidays. Be aware of those around you and if for any reason you do not feel safe, just return to the store and ask for assistance.    

The lines to use the public restrooms.  Just the mere fact that I have to use one once in a while bothers me, but most are clean.  The waiting on a stall thing can be a bit much.

People reading their phones while walking through the malls (everyone does it where I shop).

Finally, items that have been picked through which makes it difficult to find your size or color.  Most stores staff up for the holidays but many don’t have enough staff to keep things in order.

Adam, I would say getting overheated because you’re wearing a coat so you don’t have to carry it. You also have your hands full carrying lots of shopping bags and a pocketbook. It’s not fun at all.

I see malls as archaic. I cannot stand a long line to pay for what I would like to buy.

I have returned items to their shelves before because I saw a long line at the register.

Hi Adam — Absolutely nothing!!  I enjoy browsing the stores and walking the mall without having to navigate the crowds of last minute shoppers, parking problems, etc.  My rule has been for at least 10 years now is that I stop going right before Thanksgiving and do not return until January 10th when all the gift returns are finished.

In those six weeks or so all shopping is done online or watching television happily from the comfort of my home in my robe and slippers.  For me it’s the only stress free way to go!:womanvery-happy:  

I like to walk, the exercise is good for me. But, even when I was younger, I would shop until I was ready to drop.

Then I would have to hike through the huge parking lot, looking for my car. Not fun!

Way too much stuff to see!  It just gets so tiring and confusing.  Unlike shopping on HSN.COM –  where I can hop on back to the item I’m considering with a few clicks of my computer while sitting on my comfy sofa by the fire snuggled up in a blanket – the thought of walking all the way back to the other end of the Mall to have a second look at something just does me in both mentally and physically.  You can keep the Mall, I’ll have HSN.COM and HSN Live any day.

Well I’ll take another side..

I was a  small retail store owner/manager for over 10 years in a local strip mall..so I personally knew most of my customers and their families.

I loved it for the most part..I admit I’m a bit of a softy..A couple of local young kids would come in and want something for a parent,no matter what the holiday ….they would hand me a bag of change to buy an item(usually never enough)..if the amount was kind of close to what they wanted to buy..I’d put in the difference..If not I would convince them that their parent wouldn’t like it..LOL..they would pick something else.Kids have such big expectations..I’d even wrap it for free..

Loved it when  grown guys would come in totally confused at the last minute..trying to pick out a piece of crystal..Then they ask “can you wrap it because I’ll make a nice gift look garbage”..LOL

There were lots of fun times…Lots of long hours..I was there from open till closing..Sometimes 12-14 hours during the last 2 weeks.

The parts I hated the most: shoplifters! Also the people that would say

“what do you mean you are closed on Christmas Day?.! Just in case I might need something!!”

Hi Adam, the worst thing about shopping at the mall is, my husband always has to go shopping with me. Shopping with your husband is like hunting with the game warden!  I prefer my computer and alone time, I can get more done with less stress.

 There are several reasons I don’t shop at the mall anymore :

 1.  The crowds 

 2.  The parking 

 3   And sadly a new reason and that is FEAR ….fear of terrorist that target our malls and peace on earth. 

 I am old enough to remember when it was the season of joy and comfort  and it’s sad that there are young people who don’t remember that and this is their new way of life with fear and crime . I am hopeful we may  go back to that Innocent way of life. #Sassy

The worst thing about Holiday Shopping at the mall is knowing what you want to buy, then the designated store not having any, or any in the size or color that you want.  Or, they just sold the last one and you can’t find it on-line.  The whole ordeal is frustrating which causes everyone to loose their Aloha spirit, which makes it the worst time ever!

People illegally parking in Handycapped spots, Crowds, Pick Pockets. Clercks do not know the product if you want more information. Having to drag purchase to car. Once you do to deter thieves you have to move your car to another parking space far enough that a thief does not know you have products in the car and of course find another spot.

All the angry turkeys!

They’re called mauls for a reason.

Being there!