Recently, I accompanied my daughter and a friend to our local shopping mall. As I observed them exploring various stores, I was transported back to my own teenage years. For us in the ’80s, the mall was a central hub of social activity. It was where we engaged in quintessential teen activities: shopping, socializing, working, dining, and of course, pursuing romantic interests.
Our mothers would drop us off at the entrance, and we would try to tune out their affectionate reminders of “I love you” and “Be back by four!” The mall epitomized our sense of independence, serving as a second home that some of us knew inside and out.
Our gatherings often took place in the food court, a vibrant display of neon lights and delicious aromas. We had countless dining options—whether it was a quick bite from McDonald’s, Sbarro, or the local pizzeria with a jukebox playing hits from Donna Summer and contemporary favorites by our beloved hair bands. After lunch, a visit to Mrs. Fields for cookies or to Orange Julius or TCBY to see a familiar face from school was a must.
Shopping was, naturally, a significant part of our mall experience. We would start at Waldenbooks, diving straight into the magazine section for a copy of Tiger Beat or Bop to catch up on the latest happenings with the two Coreys. The more studious among us might browse the young adult section for a new Christopher Pike thriller or perhaps a Sweet Valley High novel, carefully concealing any V.C. Andrews books we picked up from our mothers. If summer break was around the corner, we could also snag a title from our summer reading list.
Our next stop was often CVS, where we browsed nail polish colors and picked up essentials like Sun-In, banana clips, or, most importantly, lip gloss—whether it was Kissing Potion, Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, or Village Lip Lickers. We needed fresh breath, just in case we encountered a cute boy.
And the mall was teeming with them. Many guys frequented Spencer’s Gifts, where we could find everything from quirky pins for our denim jackets to posters and even playful novelty items. The back of the store held our shared fascination with more risqué items, which we often had to inquire about from older friends. If they weren’t at Spencer’s, they could usually be found at Chess King, checking out the latest Z Cavs or SKIDZ.
No trip to the mall was complete without some clothing purchases. Whether it was ripped jeans for a school dance or a trendy Benetton shirt for a Friday night outing, we would spend our hard-earned allowance on fashion. If we were lucky enough to save up from babysitting or part-time jobs, we might treat ourselves at Contempo Casuals or 579, where coordinated outfits were all the rage.
If those stores didn’t satisfy our fashion cravings, we could always wander into The Gap, Lerner, or, for the more fortunate, The Limited—especially with birthday cash or a parent’s credit card in hand. For semi-formal dances, Deb was our go-to for affordable dresses and dyeable shoes, ensuring our dates matched our outfits down to the cummerbund.
After clothing purchases, we would visit Perfumania or the perfume counter at a major department store, selecting our favorite scents like Love’s Baby Soft or Liz Claiborne. We would help each other choose which triangle bottle to buy—red, blue, or yellow. A quick check of our Swatch watch would reveal it was nearly time for a photo booth session with our friends. Before snapping pictures, we’d stop by the restroom for a hair touch-up, a spritz of Aqua Net, and a reapplication of lip gloss.
Next, we would swing by RadioShack to pick up headphones for our Walkman, before heading to the record store—perhaps Sam Goody or Tower Records—where we would search for the latest cassette or a cassingle, allowing us to enjoy our favorite tracks without committing to a full album. It was the perfect way to keep our dreams of stardom alive, imagining that one day we might share our music with a celebrity like Tiffany.
When our funds and time dwindled, we would scrounge up enough change for a payphone call to our parents for a ride home or meet them for dinner at York Steak House. While we loved the mall and all its offerings, the experience could be exhausting. Little did we know, years later, these nostalgic visits would evoke fond memories for many of us who grew up in the ’80s.
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Summary
This nostalgic reflection on ’80s mall culture highlights the freedom and social dynamics of teenage life during that era. The mall served as a vibrant space for shopping, dining, and socializing, fostering cherished memories for those who experienced it. The evolution of these experiences resonates today, reminding us of the importance of community and connection in our lives.