Every so often I head down to the local mall to observe people and stores. It is my way of getting a feel for where people are spending their money. In addition, I get insight as to what stores are selling and what price by observing sales, clearances and placement of products. March 30th was one of my Observation Days.

I like to go mid week because this is when stores let their hair down, so to speak. Sales staff are more relaxed. The clearance items have just been set out. It is a time to find real deals.

This week was unusually busy with Spring Break, had a large group of the younger generation, out and about. Grandparents taking grand kids to the mall to spoil them. Parents taking some time off work to get to know their children better.

Lunch time at the Food Court was as busy as the Food Court the day before Christmas. The only main difference was people were not carrying with them any large bags of soon to be presents. In fact they were very few who had any bags of recently bought items.

The stores that cater to the younger generation like Clare’s and Forever21 were modestly populated.  The established store for the younger generation, The Gap were strangely empty. Old favorites like JCPenny and Sears were busy for a weekday.

I was surprised that the appliance and tools sections of Sears had more than older retired men quizzing the sales people. There was a couple intently looking a refrigerators. Another couple was looking over a electric stove. One middle aged man looked like he was ready to pull out his plastic for a new washing machine.

Most every store was offering their 40% or 50% off specials. The specialty store were still $15 to $20 over priced from named brand department stores. The clearance racks of winter cloths was where the best deal were. However, I did find a few stores that had over bought for Easter and were offering some great deals.

The geek/video game stores did not have any real sales. Old outdated games were reduced in price. All the other games and hardware were at full retail price. Regardless of their lack of discounts, those stores were near standing room only.

Going to the Mall  has always been an enjoyable shopping experience for me. If I was to judge the state of the economy by my Observation Day, I would say the economy is in a state of recovery.

Tags: Clare's, Food Court, Forever21, JCPenny, Sears, Spring Break, State of the Economy