A new shopping destination
October 9, 2007 
Picture has nothing to do with today’s blog topic, but I found this cute one this morning, and had to share. Here’s my little paleontologist in training.
A new shopping mall (Southgate Market for my Chicago readers) has opened up near to where I live. It’s not your “typical” American mall – there aren’t boutiques etc. It’s a mall that’s grounded by 6 larger tenants – Petsmart, Linens & Things, Office Depot, DSW, Whole Foods, and World Market. In addition, there is a Panera Bread and a Starbucks.
The DSW store was the first tenant to open, and that was an eye opening experience. I’d never been to one before, so it was a novel experience to see all those shoes in one place. I confess to having been a shoeaholic in my younger, single days (I can recall finding a style that I loved, and buying one in every color, even if it was at $160 a pair. I could never imagine spending that much on a single pair of shoes these days!). These days, I pretty much buy shoes because I need them – you know, the sole wears out, etc. I read recently that the average American woman has 40 pairs of shoes in her closet. I have less than 10 pairs, and that includes 3 pairs of sneakers/running shoes, and 2 pairs of winter boots.
In the past couple of weeks, World Market and Whole Foods have opened. I’ve only recently discovered World Market. There is a store in Lincoln Park (on the north side of the city), and I have made a number of trips out there with one particular purpose – they sell Tim Tams (although here they are called “Arnott’s Original”), and English-made Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate. I think I’m in trouble – now I can get both of these products within walking distance of home – definitely a big danger to my weight loss ambitions!
I’ve never been in a Whole Foods store until last week. What an experience. I’d heard that it was ridiculously over-priced, and maybe it is (I haven’t bought anything there), but oh, my – the bakery section and hot food area is to die for. The selection of cakes and pastries is nothing like I’ve seen locally, and the range of hot foods (for taking out or eating in-store) is amazing.
I can see that I’ll be visiting this shopping center on a regular basis…
I love Whole Foods and World Market. Whole Foods can be a bit pricey, but I don’t do my everyday shopping there.
Ooh! I love World Market. It is pricey, but the chocolate selection is amazing!
I’m a huge fan of World Market (also called “Cost Plus” some places for some reason)…I go there to buy PG Tips and my favorite tea, Mighty Leaf Orange Dulce. I keep hoping they will stock other than the original flavor of Pocky, and I kept looking for Tim Tams, never seeing them. Thanks for cluing me in that they have a different name here!!!
Also a DSW addict…I love how everything is laid out by shoe type. But then, I pretty much only buy Clarks these days, so the temptation is relatively low.
And Whole Foods…expensive but worth an occasional lunch, for sure. And I get my crystallized ginger and other dried fruits there.
Love DSW, it’s the only place I shop for shoes. Be sure to sign up for their awards program, it’s free and you get coupons in the mail. And Whole Foods is great, especially on Saturday when you can taste everything. I shop there for ’special’ things.
The mall sounds great! I only have four pairs of shoes – I would much rather by stitching stash than shoes any day!
Thank you for the comment on my blog – I definitely would like to go to Shepherd’s Bush next year too. I’ve been wanting to go for years!!
For those of us who do not live in the States please explain about these stores in an email. Would I like them ??????
Oh no, Tim Tams within local distance – I fear there may be no hope for you! ;P LOL. Sounds like a great shopping experience – that’s one of my fave things about visiting new countries – checking out their supermarkets etc … I just love it!