Shopping malls in America during the 1980s were an experience like no other. Not only did shoppers come to buy clothes, but the shopping malls were also popular social spots to hang out with friends. Families spent their Saturdays shopping at the local mall, and it was a place where people dressed to impress and came to see & be seen. Shopping malls created an experience that typical online shopping which is now the common way to shop, does not offer. Here, we take a look back at some of our favorite stores inside of our local shopping malls.
Table of Contents
1. Waldenbooks
Before mega book store chains dominated , Waldenbooks was a comforting and cozy literary oasis located in the mall. This store was filled with the latest and most popular best sellers and magazines, as well as the ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ books.
Save for later
Want to come back to this story? Save it with your email so it is easy to find again.
2. Orange Julius
Your shopping break at the mall wasn’t complete without an orange Julius! It is both refreshing and creamy. It also has a great smell and draws in shoppers all the way from the enterance of the mall. Orange Julius offered a simple menu, and the staff in bright colors made the mall a fun place to shop. Each visit, the staff created a fun experience like a treat for you.
3. Sam Goody
We spent countless hours exploring cassette tapes and vinyl records at Sam Goody- a retailer that served as a music lover’s paradise. With padded headphones at listening stations, customers could sample tracks from album covers that described everything we were about. The staff were super passionate about music, making them the coolest people at the mall.
4. Chess King
Chess King was the spot for guys to get Members Only jackets and parachute pants. The sleek designs of chrome fixtures and neon accents perfectly matched the trendy merch. The fashionable staff made every shopping trip feel like a visit to a cool club.
5. Hickory Farms
This market was a feast for the senses with summer sausage, cheese balls, and various mustards. The rustic decor in wooden vessels and staff wrapped in red aprons, combined with the wooden decor, created a feeling of an American country store.
6. Contempo Casuals
A new pair of fingerless gloves or a Madonna-inspired outfit was trending, and so it was impossible to leave the store without one! With the pink and black color scheme, dressing room lighting made you feel like a fashion model, and of course, you had to get a set of accessories to complete the look.
7. Spencer Gifts
Every kid wanted to sneak into Spencer’s because it felt slightly illicit. While places like Walmart and Target carried all the typical toy store fare, Spencer’s had all the lava lamps, gag gifts, and blacklight posters. The dark lighting and rock music made it feel illicit and forbidden.
8. Karmelkorn
The amazing smell of popcorn and caramel was the perfect lure for customers. Shoppers’ bags would be filled with warm popcorn and sweet caramel as they walked around the mall. Who could resist watching the caramel sauce being stirred and listening to popcorn kernels explode?
9. Radio Shack
In the 80’s it was possible to find almost every gadget imaginable at the tech paradise of the decade. You could find RC cars, and even the first PC’s. Staff were able to help find literally anything, even the most obscure wires or components you could think of.
10. Tape World
Before everything went digital, Tape World was one of the last places you could go to collect physical music. Cassettes lined the walls, and bargain bins always had hidden gems. The newest hits were always playing in the store, meaning you could listen to the hits and shop at the same time.
11. KB Toys
The toy store was always the most fun and exciting place to go in the mall. There were endless aisles filled with games and toys to explore, demonstration tables, and the latest game on the market. It was definitely an adventure with packed shelves, and sent the store’s chaotic energy through the roof.
12. Thom McAn
There were a lot of shoe shops available at the mall, but one of the most memorable was the one with the foot measuring device. It made shoe shopping feel like a cultural event. The neat rows of shoes on display, the foot measuring device that seemed like a scientific instrument, and the mirror at floor level where you’d check out your new kicks made shoe shopping an event. The patient sales staff would bring out box after box until you found the perfect pair.
13. Camelot Music
Camelot Music was an equally adored music chain as Sam Goody, but unlike Sam Goody, it had a medieval themed design. The castle-like design elements and staff who really knew their music made it a special destination. The listening stations were arranged like little turrets where you could sample the latest releases.
14. Time Out Arcade
It was loud and flashy and stood out with arcade machines. Kids and teens loved to pass time playing the games. The distinctive clinking sound from money and someone drawing a crowd at the latest game are memories we’ll never forget.
15. B. Dalton Bookseller
The main competitor of Walden books provided a totally different bookstore experience. The soft green light shades provided a calming experience and the brownwood shelving made the store looked like a calm library. The staff were very experienced and knew how to recommend the right book to every customer, while the discount tables were a gold mine full of cheap hard covers.
