Here are some tips for you all that I take into consideration when shopping at a Mall or other large shopping centers alone. But, before I say these things lets get one thing straight first. I hate to shop! I hate to shop at the Mall! I hate to shop at other large shopping centers! I love to shop online though.
But, on the few times I do venture out to the Mall or to places like Wal Mart there are some things that I always do when I am alone. (Let me say here that you should not shop alone if it can be helped.)
Safety Tips
When I park, I park as close to the entrance of a store as I can because this gives me a since of feeling safer. I make sure that my truck is locked up and I check my tires before going in. They may need some air and if they do that thought will be on my mind when I come out of the Mall.
When I come out from shopping, I am always aware of where I parked and I make eye contact with my truck. I start to avert my eyes all around checking out the people. If anyone is close to my truck I do not start directly to it because I want to make sure that they are not staying beside my truck.
I always have my keys in my hand, with the truck key ready to open the door. Also, I make sure that the point of the key is pointed outward so if I need to use it on someone who may be trying to harm me I will have that one chance. I also make sure that my cell phone is in my hand or close enough that I can get my hand on. I have 911 programmed into my phone as the first number to dial.
I also will not approached my truck until I make sure that no one is standing on the other side of it or underneath it. You should look underneath your vehicle before getting to it. If necessary, approach your vehicle from one row over so that you can get a good look underneath as well as around it. This will allow you to make sure that nothing strange is going on. Please keep in mind that if you have an SUV or big Truck that you need to make sure that you cover your blind spots before approaching. A thief or kidnapper knows these blind spots and they trust that you don’t. So, if necessary approach your vehicle from one row over or even walk past it to make sure.
If you see a car that has parked to close to yours be very cautious. My best suggestion here is to make sure that no one is in that car or close to that car. If they are, please don’t go to your car alone. Go back into the store and ask Security to come out with you and tell them why you are asking. You never know, that close, parked car may be up to no good. Think about it.
If ever in doubt ask Security or another employee to walk out with you.
Also, when using the restroom at the Mall or any of the stores, make sure that you check it first as best you can. If you are the only one in there make sure that all the stall doors will open. This will also help you feel safer knowing that you are alone. And when washing your hands keep alert of your surroundings by keeping focused on the mirror. You should be able to wash your hands without looking now that you are big girl or boy! Think about it.
Again, check your tires and also make sure that there are no puddles of anything coming from your car. The last thing you want is for your brakes to go out on you! Or something else.
Safety Tips on The Inside and Some Shopping Tips
Now, while inside shopping you must always be aware of the people around you. If someone is getting to close to you while you are shopping try to move away from him or her. Certainly if the seem to be following you, you should be very aware and start making some type of get away plan in case you need. In fact, you should always have a get away plan. You should also make sure that your kids know that they have a get away plan as well. Make sure that you have nicknames or passwords for your children and yourself and make sure they understand that only you know that word. Even today, with my girls now being 22 and 18 we still use their pass codes. It just makes good sense.
Now, some other points while shopping at the Mall are shop around for the best price. Just because you find what you are looking for doesn’t mean that you are finding the best price. Believe it or not, the stores in the Mall will and do compete against each other. And if you are in the last store of the day and you have not bought that item you really wanted or needed and you find it in that last store for a higher price, tell them that you have found it cheaper at another store, give the name of the store and most likely they will meet that price. If not, make that long walk back to the other end of the Mall and buy it. If a store is not willing to work with you then they don’t deserve your business.
And also, remember, that Wal Mart DOES NOT always have the lowest price. Shop around. Look at those sale papers and store ads when you enter the store! Look!
Now while at the Mall you decide you want to sit down and rest. Do so with caution. Don’t sit on a bench in the middle of the floor alone. Try to find the edge of one of the huge flowerpots or something similar, where your back will be to the plant or item. This way you can see better and have a better chance of seeing someone come up on you.
You should also always keep some type of safety device on your person or in your purse. Pepper spray, large key, etc. something that will give you the upper hand should you find yourself needing the upper hand. And those people with the surveys? Leave them alone! Most the time they are legit, but don’t take that chance. Recently, here where I live, a man was approaching women in the mall about a movie survey. Yeah, right! He was up to no good and thank goodness the Security of the Mall was on to him. He is now in jail. Think about it.
Now you should also, always remember your money situation. Don’t buy what you cannot afford to buy. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in those stores who are offering you a free gift with filling out a credit application. Don’t do it. Stay away from them! You don’t need the free gift nor do you need the credit line that you will have to pay for the rest of your life. Go and buy the free gift and get a better deal!
And remember also that all Malls do have a directory in them as well as a Service Desk or Information Desk. Don’t be shy, use them!
Oh, one other thing! I don’t shop at night alone. Never!
So, here you have it, some tips by me to you on how I shop at the Mall or other stores.
I hope that this has helped in some kind of way.
God Bless!
©LKD 2004