Mall Decorum: Shopping for Manners

Etiquette for shopping and parking

(CSA Images/Getty Images)

With the holiday crowds now in the past, trips to the mall can once again be a welcome diversion and a comfortable place to get in a good walk, as long as everyone behaves themselves.

Doctors Aren’t the Only Ones With Patience

Busy shops, stores, and even vendors in the food court can mean a long wait to make your purchase, especially on rainy weekend days when everyone seems to be at the mall with you. If the lines are long, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. A trip to the mall should be a fun experience, so if it’s crowded, go at your own pace, making a conscious decision to enjoy yourself.

Right of Way

Perhaps because we drive on the right, many shoppers tend to stay to the right as they meander through the mall. By going with the flow, you can often make better progress getting to and from your destination. However, there are no rules that say you can’t walk against traffic, so be careful to not bump into other shoppers walking toward you. If you do bump into someone, offer a quick “excuse me.”

Not a Playground

While many malls have kid zones where children can burn off excess energy, shoppers are expected to make sure their children are well-behaved in all other areas. Allowing children to run, be overly loud, or even scream is never appropriate; running could lead to a fall, which could lead to an injury, and isn’t something other shoppers should be forced to endure. If the children are very young and simply unhappy, it may be best to go home.

Parking Lot Courtesy

Road rage isn’t limited to the highway, as anyone who has searched for a parking space on a busy day at the mall can attest. If you notice another driver acting erratically, do your best to stay away. Avoid making eye contact; even if you are being hospitable and friendly, the other driver may not see it that way. Let that parking space go—you’ll find another, and avoiding an altercation is worth a bit more time and effort.

Practice RAK

A random act of kindness can make a powerful impression. Small gestures, such as holding the door for other shoppers struggling with bags, can help calm a hectic attitude. Compliment the store associate who was exceptionally polite to a rude shopper, let someone with just one item go ahead of you in line, and if you see someone circling to find a parking space, indicate that yours is about to become available.