Recently, I took my daughter and her friend to our neighborhood mall, and as I watched them navigate through the stores, I was flooded with memories of my own teenage years. For us ’80s kids, the mall was more than just a shopping destination; it was a sanctuary of freedom where we spent our afternoons shopping, gossiping, working, eating, and, of course, pursuing crushes.
Our mothers would drop us off right outside, their voices trailing behind us as they called out, “I love you!” and “Be back by four!” For us, the mall was an escape, a second home where we felt truly alive. Meeting friends in the food court felt like stepping into a vibrant, neon wonderland filled with endless possibilities. We could choose between fast food staples like McDonald’s, Sbarro, or the local pizza joint—the one with the jukebox that played all the hits from Donna Summer to the latest hair bands. After filling up on lunch, a stop at Mrs. Fields for a cookie or Orange Julius for a smoothie was a must, especially since at least one of our classmates worked there.
Shopping was the highlight of our visits. We’d first swing by Waldenbooks, heading straight to the magazine aisle to grab a copy of Tiger Beat or Bop to catch up on the latest gossip about the two Coreys. Those who were more academically inclined might opt for a Christopher Pike mystery or a volume from Sweet Valley High, while some of us would sneak in V.C. Andrews novels we were a little too young for. As summer approached, we’d also look for titles from our summer reading lists.
Next, we’d make our way to CVS, browsing nail polish and picking up essentials like Sun-In or a banana clip to replace the one that had broken. Most importantly, we’d search for the must-have lip gloss—whether it was Kissing Potion or Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, we loved the delicious scents. At checkout, we’d grab some gum, either Freshen-Up or Fruit Stripe, just in case we spotted a cute guy.
And there were plenty of them! Most of the boys we knew hung out at Spencer’s Gifts, where we could find quirky pins, posters, and even some cheeky items that we’d giggle about with our friends. If they weren’t at Spencer’s, they were likely at Chess King, checking out the latest Z Cavs or SKIDZ.
Of course, no mall trip was complete without some clothes shopping. We’d try to score a pair of ripped jeans for an upcoming school dance or a trendy shirt from Benetton for Friday night outings. If we had saved enough from babysitting or part-time jobs, we might treat ourselves at Contempo Casuals or 579, where we could match our outfits before it was even a trend. There was always The Gap or Lerner if we needed something more classic, and if we were lucky enough to have birthday money or a parent’s credit card, we’d splurge at The Limited or Deb for semi-formal dancewear.
After we’d scored some new clothes, we’d stop at Perfumania or the department store fragrance counter to pick out our favorite scents like Love’s Baby Soft or Liz Claiborne. The dilemma of choosing between the colorful triangle bottles was real! A glance at the time would remind us to snap a quick picture with our best friends in the food court photo booth. A stop in the bathroom to tease our hair, spritz on some Aqua Net, and reapply our lip gloss was essential before we headed to RadioShack to grab those headphones for our Walkman.
Finally, we’d make our way to the record store—maybe Sam Goody or Tower Records—to find the latest cassette or a cassingle for those who wanted just one hit. And why listen to music when we could create our own? We’d record ourselves singing over our favorite tracks, dreaming of one day becoming stars. Who knows, maybe we’d even spot Tiffany!
As our time and funds dwindled, we’d pull a dime from our shoes and head to the payphones to call our parents for a ride home, or we might meet them at York Steak House for dinner. By the end of the day, we were exhausted but elated. The mall held so many memories, and even now, it can evoke those nostalgic feelings in anyone who grew up in the ’80s.
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Summary
This article captures the essence of a nostalgic trip to the mall in the ’80s, reflecting on the freedom and joy that came with teenage life during that era. From shopping for clothes and magazines to hanging out with friends and dreaming of stardom, the mall was a vibrant hub of activity and socialization for teens.