One of my major complaints about growing up in a small town was that we didn’t have a mall. Every teenaged girl needs a mall, right? Of course they do. But I’m much older now and just the idea of going to the mall fills me with anxiety. The parking, the crowds, the bad lighting, the screaming kids, the questionable bathrooms, and the disappointing food court are all a little bit more than my delicate system can handle. I’m not sure why it is exactly. I can handle walking around midtown Manhattan during rush hour but going to the mall during the holidays makes me want to dig a hole in the backyard and crawl inside of it with a bottle of booze and some cigarettes until February.
I realize that as a Portlander I’m sort of obligated to do the “right thing” this year and shop local and buy green. I think buying local and shopping green are very good ideas. In fact I think one of the very best gifts you can buy this year are tickets to local arts performances or memberships to places like the Japanese Garden or the Zoo. If you are feeling like a real do-gooder this season you can make donations to many worthy local non-profits in the names of your loved ones. Another great place to buy gifts this year is Print Arts NW. They have lots of great art by well-established local artists and very good prices.
There. I’ve fulfilled my obligation to promote buying green and local. However, if you are like me, you have probably received a Christmas wish list from a family member and on this list are items that are only for sale at the mall. You love this person and want to make them happy by giving them what they’ve asked for. This means you will have to go to the mall and get it. I had to go to the mall on Monday. I chose Washington Square because it’s right next to Target and I love Target. When I’m at Target I feel a warmish glow and a sense that anything is possible, not unlike the feeling I get when I think about Obama – but I digress.
I went to Washington Square at about 2:00 pm on a Monday and it was super crowded and full of moms and tots. Is it just me, or is Washington Square a little bit claustrophobia inducing? The layout is tall and narrow, the lighting is dim, and the middle section is jammed full of little carts and pushy salespeople. I could not get out of there fast enough. I normally shop at Lloyd Center, which has its downsides, but the floor plan is much more open and the lighting is better. Parking in Lloyd Center parking garage is a total nightmare this time of year because the corners are so tight. They employ parking staff to keep people from ramming into each other.
Which brings me to the point of this post. There is a point, I know by now you were probably wondering. What is the best mall to shop at in Portland during the holidays in terms of crowds, parking and atmosphere? When is the best time to go? Who has the best decorations? What mall should be avoided at all costs? And most importantly – which mall has the best Santa and Santa photo experience? Please help your fellow Portlanders out and post your shopping tips and tricks in the comments section.
Ho Ho Ho!
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