15 Mall Kiosks That Sold Truly Random Stuff
Here's a fun look at mall kiosks that sold random things you never expected to see while shopping.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Mall kiosks were never short on surprises. Some sold toys in plastic capsules, others pushed perfume samples in your face, and a few even offered quick beauty treatments in the middle of the walkway. These odd booths made shopping trips more entertaining, and people still remember the random stuff they found there.
1. Gashapon Capsule Toy Machines
Mk2010 on Wikimedia Commons
These machines turned shopping trips into little adventures. You never knew which tiny figure or trinket would roll out after dropping in a coin. The surprise was half the fun, and kids begged their parents for “just one more try.”
2. Body-Scanning Size-Estimator Kiosks
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These kiosks promised to take the guesswork out of clothes shopping. You’d step inside, get scanned, and receive your “perfect size” for different stores. It felt futuristic, but most people walked away still doubting the results.
3. Scented Air in a Tube
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Yes, some kiosks sold little tubes that supposedly captured a scent. Shoppers were told it was like buying bottled “moments” or exotic air. Most people laughed at the idea, but a few bought them just for the novelty.
4. Pushy Dead Sea Skincare Sellers
Eva Rinaldi on Wikimedia Commons
These kiosks became infamous for their sales tactics. You’d walk by, and suddenly someone was rubbing lotion on your hands before you could even react. The products weren’t always bad, but the pushy pitch is what stuck in people’s memories.
5. Fidget-Spinner Craze Booths
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When fidget spinners blew up, mall kiosks cashed in big time. Counters were filled with spinners in every color, shape, and flashing light combo. For a while, you couldn’t pass through the mall without seeing kids spinning away.
6. Temporary Tattoo & Henna Kiosks
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These kiosks offered instant body art without the commitment. Shoppers lined up to get designs painted on their arms or hands, perfect for showing off around the mall. They gave everyone a taste of tattoo life before making it permanent.
7. Ear-Piercing Stands
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Many people got their very first piercings at a mall kiosk. It was fast, affordable, and always done right in the middle of mall traffic. For some, it was exciting; for others, a little terrifying with so many people watching.
8. Sunglasses, Phone Cases & Random Accessories
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These kiosks were the go-to spot for quick fashion fixes. Racks were piled with cheap sunglasses, colorful phone cases, and quirky keychains. Even if you didn’t plan to buy, you’d usually stop to try on a pair for fun.
9. Vapes and Trendy Gadgets
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Some kiosks were all about selling the “latest thing.” You’d find vape pens, pocket chargers, or tiny drones buzzing around as demos. They felt futuristic at the time, but most of the gadgets broke within weeks.
10. Pushy Perfume Sprayer Booths
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Few mall memories are stronger than being ambushed by a perfume spritz. Reps stood ready with bottles, eager to spray anyone passing by. Some people avoided entire sections of the mall just to escape the cloud of fragrance.
11. Vintage Collectibles & Funko Pop Booths
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These kiosks were treasure hunts for collectors. Shelves overflowed with Funko Pops, old toys, and limited-edition knickknacks. Even if you didn’t buy, browsing through the shelves felt like a trip down memory lane.
12. Food-Fragrance Sampling Stands
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These booths lured shoppers with free samples and irresistible smells. Pretzel bites, cookie pieces, or even flavored vapor clouds floated through the air. It was almost impossible to pass by without grabbing a taste.
13. Weird Novelty Products
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Some kiosks sold items so odd they made people stop and stare. Think banana protectors, cockroach plushies, or stress toys shaped like pimples. They were equal parts gross, funny, and impossible to forget.
14. Beauty Treatment Booths in Public View
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Need a quick eyebrow threading or nail buff? These kiosks offered beauty treatments right out in the open, turning pampering into a spectator sport. It was convenient but also a little awkward with strangers watching.
15. Random Giant Cucumber Story
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One of the strangest mall moments involved a huge cucumber left on the floor. Shoppers walked past it like it was nothing until a child picked it up. The story proves malls could be just as weird as the kiosks inside them.