Having Survived the Mall

I've pretty much recovered from my marathon mall episode yesterday, and I realize I left out two important points in my brief summary: 

1. Mark my words: I will never again set foot in Abercrombie & Fitch, not even for 10 seconds. I went in for less than 2 minutes yesterday to see whether it would be a good place for Pete to shop (he's recently discovered a world of clothing options outside of basketball shorts and Nike T-shirts) and left nearly ill. The pitch-darkness is one thing, the deafening music another. But the overpowering cologne that hangs like a cloud is positively toxic. I had to sit on a bench outside the store for several minutes until the nausea and threat of fainting passed. I honestly thought I was going to pass out. It's hard enough to imagine people shopping there, but how about working there? I would think OSHA would need to get involved. (For the record, Pete did pretty well at The Gap.)

2. The food court has quite a few decent options, surprisingly. I always make a beeline for Gourmet India, and it is always excellent. Yes, really, Indian food in a mall food court! Yesterday I got chicken tikki masala and Mugal-style cauliflower and potatoes. Steph and Julie are fond of the Thai mandarin chicken and rice, and Pete can always be counted on to polish off a Turkey Gobbler at D'Angelo. There is a newish place that serves nothing but different types of grilled cheese sandwiches, which is right in my wheelhouse, but I can never pull myself away from the Indian food. (No one else in the family eats Indian, so I don't get many opportunities to have it. Although the Whole Foods on the way home from my chiro's office nearly always has their excellent veggie korma in the prepared food section, so I get that every other week or so.) We are always surprised at how many people wait in line for the McDonald's in the food court when they could be eating what we're eating, or Sbarro pizza, or one of the other options.

Comments

[Debby Iken]

Hi Karen,
I know exactly what you're saying. The smell is so strong, that I too feel nauseous and dizzy when I'm in there.
Happy New Year to you.
debby

[scott]

indian food is a personal favorite. I don't see how anyone could not like it.

[Sandy]

First time I stepped into Abercrombie I was stunned by the same. How can it be good business, if those who hold the credit cards cannot tolerate being there? Then I realized the brilliance of it: I've said "Yes, buy it!" just to get out of there. But I also wondered what the environment does to the kids working there.

[Trasherati]

Amen on the A & Fitch...was dismayed to see a young shirtless man standing at the entrance last year, holding a bottle of cologne. He looked to be about 16, to me. Ridiculous.

Has Pete tried H&M? My oldest is going to check it out since he wants to start dressing "cooler".

[Steve]

H&M is a great suggestion. Their clothes are inexpensive (and some are cheaply made), but one can do well there for stylish pieces. Though a lot of their stuff is too young for me.

Speaking of which - there are few things as sad and pathetic as seeing a 45-year-old gay guy in a sleeveless Abercrombie T-Shirt... in public.

[Steve]

p.s. - I love the cheap, fatty, fried Chinese food in mall food courts. But I try to eat it in an out-of-the way corner where no one can see me.