Recently, I took my daughter and her friend to the nearby mall, and as I observed them exploring different stores, I was transported back to my own teenage years. For those of us who grew up in the ’80s, the mall was a vibrant hub of activity. It was the place where we engaged in all the quintessential teen activities—shopping, chatting, working, eating, and of course, flirting.
Our moms would drop us off at the entrance, and we would pretend not to hear their affectionate goodbyes like “I love you” and “Be back by 4!” The mall represented our independence, a second home where we often felt more at ease than anywhere else.
We would gather in the food court, a dazzling neon paradise filled with enticing options. Whether it was a quick bite from McDonald’s, a slice from Sbarro, or the local pizzeria with its nostalgic jukebox playing hits from Donna Summer and Blondie alongside our favorite hair bands, we had it all. After lunch, a stop at Mrs. Fields for a warm cookie or a refreshing drink from Orange Julius was a must, especially since many of our schoolmates worked there.
Shopping was a vital part of our mall experience. First on our list was Waldenbooks, where we’d eagerly scour the magazine aisle for issues of Tiger Beat or Bop to catch up on the latest news about the two Coreys. If we were feeling scholarly, we might grab a Christopher Pike mystery or the latest Sweet Valley High book, but we had to be cautious—those V.C. Andrews novels were meant for more mature readers and had to be hidden from our moms, who were also fond of them.
Next, we’d make a trip to CVS to browse the nail polish aisle and pick up essentials like Sun-In, a banana clip to replace the one we lost, and, most importantly, lip gloss like Kissing Potion or Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, which smelled divine. At the checkout, we’d snag some gum, either Freshen-Up or Fruit Stripe, to ensure our breath was fresh for any chance encounters with cute boys.
And the mall was certainly populated with them. Most guys could be found hanging out at Spencer’s Gifts, where we could find everything from quirky pins for our denim jackets to posters and novelty items. The back of the store was always intriguing, featuring racy items that required a bit of bravery to inquire about. If they weren’t at Spencer’s, you could usually find them at Chess King, eyeing the latest Z Cavaricci or SKIDZ styles.
No trip to the mall would be complete without some clothes shopping. Whether we were after ripped jeans for a dance or a Benetton shirt for the weekend, we had options. If we had saved up from babysitting or working at the mall, Contempo Casuals was the go-to for the trendiest looks. 579 offered the ultimate matchy-matchy outfits before they were even a thing, with everything from shorts to scrunchies in coordinated colors.
Should those stores not suffice, The Gap, Lerner, or The Limited beckoned. And for those lucky enough to receive birthday cash, Deb was perfect for semi-formal dresses and dyeable shoes. If Deb’s selection fell short, we could always count on Thom McAn or Kinney Shoes.
After securing our outfits, we’d hit up Perfumania or the department store’s fragrance counter, selecting our favorite scents like Love’s Baby Soft or Liz Claiborne. Our friends would help us decide which colorful triangle bottle to choose. A glance at our Swatch watch reminded us that time was flying—we still had to snap a picture with our best friends at the food court photo booth. A quick detour to the restroom to tease our hair, spritz on Aqua Net, and reapply our lip gloss was essential. Then it was off to RadioShack to pick up headphones for our Walkman.
Finally, we’d swing by the record store—perhaps Sam Goody or Tower Records—to grab the latest cassette or a cassingle for those who wanted a taste of popular hits without committing to a full album. We even dreamed of recording our own songs, convinced that one day we’d become famous singers. Who knew we might even bump into Tiffany?
Once our time and funds were dwindling, we’d fish a dime from our shoes and call our parents from the payphones for a ride home, or we’d meet for dinner at York Steak House. The day was exhausting but exhilarating, and little did we know that those mall outings would evoke such nostalgia years later for those of us who grew up in the ’80s.
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In summary, our mall experiences from the ’80s were filled with laughter, discovery, and a sense of freedom that shaped our teenage years. Those vibrant memories remind us of a simpler time, where the mall was a world unto itself, filled with possibilities and adventures waiting to happen.
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