Back in the day, the mall was more than just going shopping. It was a place where you would lose track of time, where you would meet with your friends to go window shopping, and for many, the ultimate playground.
The smells, the sounds, and the decorations made the malls seem otherworldly, like places out of fairytales.
If you grew up going to malls every week, you will probably remember most of the things from this list.
1. The Scent of Cinnabon That Hit You the Moment You Walked In
Before you would even make it to the food court, that warm, sugary cloud of cinnamon rolls would wrap around you, and it felt like a cozy blanket.
It was surely the unofficial scent of the mall. It was delicious, impossible to resist, and always tempting, so you would beg your parents to buy you some.
Even if you weren’t hungry, your nose dragged you closer. You didn’t go to the mall for a Cinnabon… until you did.
2. Getting Dropped Off Like Royalty (and Picked Up Hours Later)
There was something magical about getting dropped off at the mall, especially if you were with your friends. It meant freedom, fun times, and hours of exploration.
No parents hovering, just you, your friends, and exploring every store for what felt like just an hour.
You’d make vague pickup plans, but you would hardly ever stick to the agreed time.
The only bad part was waiting for your parents with tired feet and heavy bags, but it was surely a sweet pain we gladly remember.
3. Trying On Everything and Buying Nothing
You would meet with your friends, sometimes not even having money, and you would go inside every store and try out many different outfits, some that were not even suitable for your age.
High heels, lip glosses, and expensive bags – you loved them all. Boys would touch every toy car, rackets, and play with the water from the fountain.
This would go on for ages until one of the workers had had enough and made you leave. If workers were your parents’ friends, you would enjoy these shops for hours. It was like your own personal playground with unlimited toys.
4. The Food Court Was Basically a Buffet of Teen Dreams
There was free orange chicken, pizza, pretzels, drinks, and always that one place that gave items away.
People got together in the food court to hang out and eat, and many first dates were arranged there.
You’d see friends, lovers, and cool kids from other schools eating the popular meals, and you would join the faces you would recognize if you were alone.
Who would have thought that sitting at a sticky table with plastic trays would feel like a treat in some way?
5. Getting Glamour Shots You Secretly Loved but Publicly Mocked
The feather boas, the wind machine, the smoldering stare… It all meant one thing: Glamour Shots.
No matter how much you laughed, you were really just dying for the attention, and it felt good.
Everybody had at least one over-the-top picture hidden away in a box.
And you swore never to show it… But you probably did at some point when you were not the shy and awkward teenager anymore.
6. The Endless Hunt for the Perfect Band Tee at Hot Topic or Spencer’s
As a teenager, music was probably everything to you. It defined who you are, what you stood for, and who your friends were.
And what better way to show your music taste than a band tee? Hot Topic was one of those stores that had band tees, spiky chokers, and angst in every corner.
Spencer’s? That was your go-to for things you weren’t old enough to buy, but there was no crime in looking.
Even if your mom didn’t approve, you felt seen there, and you loved that notion.
7. Spending Half Your Allowance at Claire’s or The Icing
If you bought one, you would get one, remember? Shopping at these stores felt like a daydream.
You’d leave with a tangled mess of plastic jewelry and sparkly nonsense, but you were happy.
This is where you would build your personal style, get your ears pierced, and probably argue with your mom who thought you stayed there for too long.
And nothing beat walking out with a new set of butterfly clips.
8. The Escalator Ride That Felt Like a Mini Adventure
You could see everything going on in the mall from above when you took the elevator to the second floor.
You would look around to see where the groups were and where your crush might be. Then you would plan what to do next.
Also, you would ride for fun sometimes, with no place to go. It felt a bit like flying and was really exciting.
9. Photo Booth Strips You Stuffed Into Your Wallet
Long before selfies, this was how you documented your memories with friends and family.
You would wait in line, cram in with three friends when it was your turn, count down, and always pull the goofiest faces.
The flash was blinding, the quality was grainy, but it stayed in our hearts forever (and on the photo strip).
Those photo strips lived on in lockers, wallets, and scrapbooks for years, and you probably have one sitting around your home right now.
10. The Feeling You Got When You Walked Into Your Favorite Store
Whichever store you loved the most was the one you would rush to see first.
Walking into it would feel like magic, and the possibilities were limitless. From toy, clothes, or shoe stores, your heart was full when you saw the iconic logos, and you probably always begged your mom to stay just a minute longer.
Leaving the store with a bag in your hand was a special feeling, and you could not wait to show your friends and family everything you got. It was like a shopping haul where you were the main character.
