As you may have read in an earlier post, I am buying a home. As I mentioned, that has meant a new, austere spending regime. I am getting used to eating at home and denying myself lunches or coffee during the work day. And in general, I am not so sad to not shop. But, this weekend is different. This weekend I am going to Phoenix. Tucked away in Scottsdale is my personal mecca - my shopping Jerusalem: Scottsdale Fashion Square.
There is no other place on earth that contains all of my favorite stores, yummy chain restaurants, and literally tons of air conditioning and parking under one roof. The mall is massive. It has high end department stores, Banana Republic, J. Crew, kate spade, and more. It's busy but never as maddeningly packed at Tyson's Corner (the best mall in the DC area, which is technically two malls separated by a very busy street). It's like all the best parts of the Tyson's I and the Galleria without the drawbacks of either. Shopping in a town like Phoenix is what shopping should be. You walk into Neiman's in flip flops, a tank top, and shorts? No big deal - you still get treated like a person and a customer! The east coast and big city attitude doesn't penetrate the Valley of the Sun. Maybe the extreme heat keeps it at bay. But whatever the reason, the result means that trips to Phoenix always require a spiritual pilgrimage to Fashion Square.
But this trip is different. I have to break with tradition and break up with Fashion Square. It pains me to do the responsible, grown up thing and not give in to my shopping addiction. Also, sales tax in Scottsdale is nearly twice that of VA - a fact is of little solace at best. But that fact means it is especially important that I stay strong.
So Fashion Square, I am sorry, but you and I are done (for now). I can't let you know the touch of my American Express or Banana Republic credit cards any longer. I can't wander through your ample stores or up and down your escalators. It kills me to say goodbye, but I must. Please know, that there is no mall that can ever replace you. Until I have equity in my house, my beloved shopping center. Until then...
There is no other place on earth that contains all of my favorite stores, yummy chain restaurants, and literally tons of air conditioning and parking under one roof. The mall is massive. It has high end department stores, Banana Republic, J. Crew, kate spade, and more. It's busy but never as maddeningly packed at Tyson's Corner (the best mall in the DC area, which is technically two malls separated by a very busy street). It's like all the best parts of the Tyson's I and the Galleria without the drawbacks of either. Shopping in a town like Phoenix is what shopping should be. You walk into Neiman's in flip flops, a tank top, and shorts? No big deal - you still get treated like a person and a customer! The east coast and big city attitude doesn't penetrate the Valley of the Sun. Maybe the extreme heat keeps it at bay. But whatever the reason, the result means that trips to Phoenix always require a spiritual pilgrimage to Fashion Square.
But this trip is different. I have to break with tradition and break up with Fashion Square. It pains me to do the responsible, grown up thing and not give in to my shopping addiction. Also, sales tax in Scottsdale is nearly twice that of VA - a fact is of little solace at best. But that fact means it is especially important that I stay strong.
So Fashion Square, I am sorry, but you and I are done (for now). I can't let you know the touch of my American Express or Banana Republic credit cards any longer. I can't wander through your ample stores or up and down your escalators. It kills me to say goodbye, but I must. Please know, that there is no mall that can ever replace you. Until I have equity in my house, my beloved shopping center. Until then...
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