13 Things That Were Normal in Malls That Seem Weird Now
Many everyday mall habits from the past now seem outdated or unusual in today’s digital and fast-paced world.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Malls were once central to social life, shopping, and entertainment, especially before the rise of smartphones and online stores. People visited them to hang out, browse, and experience things that were common at the time — like using payphones, visiting photo booths, or sampling food freely. Looking back, many of those habits now feel strange or unnecessary, showing how much both technology and culture have changed.
1. Hanging Out All Day Without Buying Anything
pcpey on Wikimedia Commons
Teens and groups of friends used to spend entire afternoons at the mall just walking around. They rarely made purchases but still saw the mall as a social hub. Security usually didn’t mind unless things got loud. Today, many malls expect customers to shop, not linger.
2. Visiting the Food Court Just to Sample
SK Sturm Fan on Wikimedia Commons
People often visited food courts just to take free samples from different booths. Employees stood outside offering bites of chicken, pizza, or pretzels to everyone passing by. It was common to eat a full snack just from samples. Now, food courts rarely offer them, especially after health concerns became more common.
3. Waiting in Line to Use Payphones
Watty62 on Wikimedia Commons
Before cell phones, malls had rows of payphones near restrooms or exits. If someone needed a ride or to check in with family, they waited their turn. It was noisy and not very private, but it worked. Today, payphones are almost completely gone.
4. Renting Movies at the Mall
X5 Retail Group on Wikimedia Commons
Video rental stores like Blockbuster and Suncoast were often located in malls. Shoppers would browse physical tapes or DVDs and take them home for the weekend. It was a normal stop during a mall trip. Now, with streaming, most people don’t rent physical media at all.
5. Visiting an Internet Café
Larry D. Moore on Wikimedia Commons
Some malls had internet cafés where people paid to browse the web or check email. They charged by the minute or hour. Many teens used them to play games or chat online before home internet was common. These cafés faded out as smartphones and home Wi-Fi took over.
6. Posing for Photos in a Booth
Alex C on Wikimedia Commons
Photo booths were placed in open mall areas for fun, instant pictures. Friends, couples, and families would squeeze in to take goofy or sentimental shots. The printed photo strip was often kept as a keepsake. Now, selfies and smartphone cameras have made photo booths a rarity.
7. Getting Your Ears Pierced at the Jewelry Store
Patricia Curts on Wikimedia Commons
Jewelry chains like Claire’s regularly offered walk-in ear piercings with no appointments. Young people, often children or teens, got their first piercings while shopping. The process was quick, and parents stayed nearby. Today, many prefer licensed studios for safety and hygiene.
8. Shopping for CDs and Cassettes
Andy Jamieson on Wikimedia Commons
Music stores like FYE and Sam Goody sold physical albums in all formats. People browsed long rows to find the latest release or hidden gem. Listening stations let you preview albums using shared headphones. With streaming now dominant, physical music stores have nearly disappeared.
9. Using a Mall Map Kiosk to Find a Store
Tdorante10 on Wikimedia Commons
If you didn’t know where a store was, you walked to a large printed mall directory. These maps listed every shop and had a “You Are Here” mark to guide you. It was the main way to navigate a large mall. Today, most people use their phones to search for locations instantly.
10. Paying with Cash Most of the Time
Mary Davis on Wikimedia Commons
Cash was the main method of payment at most stores. Clerks counted change and gave receipts by hand. Many small retailers didn’t even accept cards. Today, contactless and mobile payments are more common than bills or coins.
11. Taking Glamour or Theme Photos at Studio Booths
Sergej Majboroda on Wikimedia Commons
Malls often had pop-up photography studios offering portraits with heavy makeup, props, or dramatic backdrops. Some were seasonal, offering Christmas or prom themes. People dressed up specifically for these photo shoots. Now, professional portraits are rarely done in malls.
12. Trying Out Massage Chairs in Public
Poongsankoreavn on Wikimedia Commons
Many malls offered massage chairs that anyone could use for a small fee. People would sit down fully clothed in busy hallways and stay for several minutes. It was normal to see strangers relaxing side by side. Now, this seems unusual or awkward to many.
13. Spending Hours Browsing Without a Phone
Chester Higgins, Jr on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones, shoppers browsed stores with full attention. They read labels, flipped through magazines, and had conversations without digital distractions. If you were meeting someone, you would pick a specific time and place and stick to it. Now, most people multitask on their phones as they shop.