Any mall in 1989 provided a quick glimpse into the culture and consumerism of the year. While many of the same buildings still handle mall duty today, modern retail spaces tend to lack the colorful splash provided by a 1989 mall. From stores such as Merry-go-Round and Spencer’s Gifts to the drama of the ear-piercing station, here’s a look at some of the things you missed if you didn’t experience the mall the last year of the 80s.
Spencer’s Gifts
Before the Internet, Spencer’s Gifts offered many tweens and young teens their first glimpse at naughty images and ideas. The store also featured a cool color scheme and plenty of gadgets to play with, making it a favorite hangout for tweens to college ages.
Arcades
The only place in the mall with more play than Spencer’s was the arcade. An arcade in 1989 might have featured a few interactive games such as racing or shooting options. Most of the play time in 1989 was spent on classic arcade games and arcade versions of popular console games.
Orange Julius
Before smoothies became king, Orange Julius ruled. The citrus concoction wasn’t a health beverage, but it tasted like heaven’s orange grove was put in a blender.
Music Stores
1989’s version of music download was a mixtape, which meant plenty of people still bought music on tape, vinyl and CD. Most malls featured a couple of music stores, such as Camelot Music, which had almost perpetual lines at the register.
Glamour Shots
Big hair, big makeup and no cell phone to capture it all with a selfie meant a trip to the mall where Glamour Shots would capture your look forever. It seemed like a good idea then, but that picture with the 6-inch bangs is still on your grandma’s mantel.
Babbage’s
The growing popularity of console games and a slow rise in personal PCs had people hungry for game options. Babbage’s and other game stores were happy to feed that hunger.
Ear Piercing
The ear piercing station at various jewelry stores in the mall always drew a crowd. Nothing says 1989 like crying or fainting in front of strangers as another stranger waves a piercing gun near your face.
Big Hair
No list about the 80s would be complete without mentioning hair, and big hair was always on display at the mall. In 1989, you still dressed up and did your hair before spending time at the mall.
Cinemas
In 1989, most malls still had large cinema complexes. Evening shows caused lines to form outside, often in food court areas. The top movie of the year was Batman, starring Michael Keaton.
Cheesy Local Events
Mallrats didn’t take place in the 80s, but the dating show in the movie was reminiscent of mall events that took place throughout the 80s. In 1989, you might see local charities, celebrities and organizations conducting an event on any given Saturday.
