I may live in Mall City, i.e. Paramus, NJ but I’m not a seasoned shopper and Black Friday generally has me running in the other direction but this year, after a great workshop session with Anthony it was clear to him that I needed new sneakers and I’m leaving on Friday for the beach. So hey, why not check out the deals, right?
I opted for the closest mall, practically in our back yard. The parking lot was crowded by not full and it was warm out so the walk into Macy’s was almost enjoyable.
First stop Macy’s to check out winter coats, just for fun just when I was loaded with energy. Upstairs on the escalator, I was immediately surrounded by racks of coats and shoppers and after a few tries at some sale items I was done. Claustrophobia hit me quickly and I was back down on the first floor almost racing to Lady Footlocker.
Outside Macy’s,the mall felt comfortable, the way I usually find it mid week. There were shoppers of course, but no one seemed crazed by the day, just my speed.
Black Friday, My Way
Inside Lady Footlocker I was almost alone with two salespeople. A friendly young woman came to me, offering her expertise to direct me through shoe ABUNDANCE.
Abundance for sure!
I explained my workout needs and she had just the shoe for me, a Brooks cross trainer. Brooks, she was surprised that she didn’t have to sell me on the company. We got back a long way. My first running shoe was a Brooks when running was new and fresh for non-athletes. Brooks, nice to be back and the shoe was a perfect fit and a great price. I bought two pairs- their last two 10s and on the Black Friday price.
Back with Brooks
Still not too many customers, I moved to workout pants to replace my baggies. As I slipped into new dry-fit, body hugging capris, I was in heaven. I could see myself on the beach with these.
So in the Abundance of this shopping season, I still need to keep things breezy and one-on-one.
I was so stoked with my shopping experience at LF that I kept moving through the mall, casually stopping at a shop, dipping in and out. A scarf at the Loft, a walk around Chicos, a coffee break at Panera.
Granted, Chanukah is not the pressure cooker of Christmas, so I don’t have a list of people to shop for.
Through the Abundance I had the sweet support of the people who are feeling the pressure of getting rid of their abundance of things, but they knew just how to get the most out of me, for me.
Digital Bonnie 
There definitely is an abundance at the mall. Sounds like you had a great shopping day. I love the dipping in and out of the stores. Beach? Where?
You are so so so right about the abundance at the mall and that mall near you is one big mega mall for sure. I often wonder WHO buys all those sweaters>? After all, how many sweaters do we really need? Even if we stay in NY (rather than head to FLA) and even if we keep our house at 58 (when we are home and awake) there are still only so many sweaters you can wear….so who buys and who wears the rest? I love a good bargain, but the Black Friday crowds are really scary for me, so I hit the computer with a short, well thought through list!