13 Things You’d Only See While Shopping In A ’70s Mall

Ah, the ’70s mall — a kaleidoscope of fashion, food, and funky vibes wrapped in shag carpet and saturated in disco.

Picture this: the air is thick with the scent of Orange Julius, Fleetwood Mac is playing faintly from every corner, and you’re rocking bell-bottoms that could double as parachutes. Back then, the mall wasn’t just a shopping center — it was the place to see and be seen.

Teens hung out by the fountain like it was sacred ground, escalators hummed under wood paneling, and Spencer’s Gifts was both magical and mildly inappropriate.

Where else could you buy a mood ring, get your ears pierced, and watch a live fashion show — all before lunch at the food court? If you weren’t there, you missed a truly iconic era. But don’t worry — slip on your roller skates and join me for a nostalgic ride through 13 unforgettable things you’d only see in a ‘70s mall!

1. Orange Julius Stands Everywhere

Orange Julius stands were a staple of ’70s malls, offering that weird, frothy citrus drink that was somehow a smoothie, a dessert, and a lifestyle. The allure of this tangy delight was irresistible, pulling you in with promises of refreshment topped with a foamy mustache. The sticky floors around the stand were a testament to its popularity, as was the line that seemed to stretch forever.

I remember always bumping into someone I knew while waiting, making the Orange Julius stand as much a social hub as a beverage spot. The drink itself, a concoction of orange juice, powdered egg whites, and vanilla, baffled scientists and delighted taste buds. Drinking one was like participating in a sweet, frothy ritual that defined the era.

Ah, the joy of sipping that citrusy concoction while dodging sticky patches on the floor and catching up on mall gossip. Truly, nothing could beat the experience.

2. Wood-Paneled Escalators and Earth-Toned Everything

In the ’70s, malls embraced the warm, earthy tones of the decade. Everywhere you looked, there was brown, burnt orange, and mustard yellow, creating a cozy, albeit slightly psychedelic, atmosphere. Wood-paneled escalators creaked as they transported shoppers from one level of fashion paradise to another.

I fondly recall the feeling of being enveloped in the colors of a harvest festival each time I entered. The decor was a living room set from The Brady Bunch come to life, complete with shag carpets and abstract art. It was a world where the only thing louder than the colors was the bell-bottoms swishing past.

Wandering through these hues felt like a warm hug, a gentle reminder of the tactile decadence the ’70s loved. Wood panels and earth tones weren’t just decor choices; they were emblematic of a time when everything seemed to be a little bit groovier.

3. A Tobacco-Smelling Pipe Store With Zero Ventilation

Nestled between a pet shop and RadioShack, the pipe store became infamous for its tobacco-rich aroma, a scent so thick you could slice it with a knife. Ventilation? Who needed it when the smoke added to the ambiance!

The shop was a treasure trove of fancy lighters and quirky ashtrays, each piece telling a story of its own. I remember how the smoke would cloud the food court, giving my hotdog a side of hickory-smoked flavor.

Entering was like stepping into a noir film, complete with a soundtrack of crackling tobacco. Browsing the shelves was an olfactory adventure, a dive into the decadent world of pipe culture. Oddly enough, the pipe store was a highlight for many mall-goers—proof that sometimes, the smoky path was the one less traveled, and, apparently, more aromatic.

4. Teens Hanging Out at the Fountain Like It Was a Sacred Ritual

The fountain in a ’70s mall wasn’t just a decorative feature; it was a social epicenter. Picture teens with big hair and even bigger gossip congregating like it was their sacred ritual. I used to joke that the fountain held more secrets than water.

I recall spending countless hours there, catching up on the latest mall drama, and feeling like part of a secret society. Tossing a coin into the water was like buying a ticket to the inner circle of mall coolness.

The fountain was not just for gossip, though; it was where alliances were formed, romances began, and, occasionally, someone would topple in, providing endless amusement. In a world before social media, the fountain was our Facebook wall, and boy, did we post a lot!

5. Free Samples from Hickory Farms That Were Weirdly Delicious

Ah, Hickory Farms, the charcuterie OGs before charcuterie was cool. I can still taste the samples—those sausage cubes and cheese wedges handed out with tiny toothpicks by a friendly guy in a red vest. It was a tastebud trip worth taking.

Strolling past the store, you’d find yourself inexplicably drawn in by the savory aromas wafting through the air. The samples were weirdly delicious, and while I couldn’t spell ‘charcuterie,’ I sure could devour it.

For many, Hickory Farms was more than a store; it was a pilgrimage site for meat lovers and cheese aficionados. Those free samples felt like a culinary adventure, a moment of indulgence amid a day of shopping. And, if you were lucky, you’d leave with a complimentary toothpick as a dubious keepsake.

6. A Spencer’s Gifts That Was Just Slightly Inappropriate

Spencer’s Gifts was where the ’70s got a little cheeky—literally. Tucked away in the mall’s labyrinth, it was a haven of blacklight posters, lava lamps, and gag gifts that would make grandma blush.

I remember the thrill of sneaking into Spencer’s, my cheeks burning as I browsed the questionable novelty underwear. It was the place to find gifts you wouldn’t dare give but couldn’t resist laughing at.

The dimly lit store was a treasure trove of kitsch, a haven for those seeking the edge of decency. Shopping there was like entering a parallel universe where nothing was off-limits, and the more bizarre, the better. Whether it was a lava lamp or a gag gift, Spencer’s was the place where the ’70s let its hair down, one inappropriate item at a time.

7. Shag Carpeted Fitting Rooms With Saloon Doors

Trying on clothes in the ’70s was an adventure, thanks to shag-carpeted fitting rooms with saloon doors. The half-door offered little privacy, turning each trial into a public spectacle.

I vividly recall the mortifying experience of modeling bell-bottoms while my mom provided not-so-subtle fashion critiques from the other side. These fitting rooms were where self-esteem went to be tested, and sometimes, hilariously shattered.

Despite the embarrassment, those fitting rooms hold a special place in my heart—like a right of passage. The shag carpet added a cozy touch, while the saloon doors made it feel like you were trying on outfits in the Wild West. If you could survive the fitting room, you could survive anything, or at least the judgment of a mom with a keen eye for fashion.

8. A Pet Store Selling Puppies Next to the Food Court

Malls in the ’70s often placed pet stores next to food courts—a quirky mix of commerce and cuteness. Imagine grabbing a slice of Sbarro and then being lured by adorable puppies yapping nearby.

These stores were impossible to pass by without stopping. I remember the internal struggle of wanting to bring home a furry friend while my parents gave me the ‘not-a-chance’ look.

Impulse buys were often the name of the game, combining pizza with puppy love in a way only the ’70s could. The sight of eager families peering into the glass cages remains a vivid memory, a testament to the mall’s unique charm. Those stores were bright spots in the retail landscape, even if they sometimes led to unexpected additions to the family.

9. Record Stores With Listening Booths

Record stores were the crown jewels of ’70s malls, inviting music lovers to explore endless rows of vinyl. Listening booths were the cherry on top, offering a private escape to dive into musical worlds, one album at a time.

I recall flipping through records, selecting one with care, and slipping into a booth to let the music wash over me. It was an experience akin to discovering a hidden treasure, each note bringing new excitement.

The booths were like time machines, whisking you away to concerts and studio sessions. It wasn’t just about hearing music; it was about feeling it, living it, in a way that only vinyl could deliver. No streaming service could ever replicate the thrill of a listening booth, where every visit was an opportunity to find your next favorite song.

10. Full-On Fashion Shows in the Middle of the Mall

The ’70s mall wasn’t just about shopping; it was also a stage for fashion shows. Imagine models strutting down a makeshift runway to disco beats while shoppers paused in their tracks.

These events were spectacles of style and music, where the latest trends were presented with flair. I remember the excitement of watching models glide past, each outfit sparking whispers of fashion envy.

The energy was infectious, with announcers hyping looks perfect for roller disco or back-to-school. Fashion shows transformed the mall into a vibrant theater, blurring the line between shopping and entertainment. They were more than events; they were experiences that brought glamour and groove to the everyday shopping trip.

11. A Mall Arcade That Was Dark, Loud, and Slightly Unhinged

Few places in a ’70s mall were as lively as the arcade, a haven of blinking lights and 8-bit music that could be heard from miles away. It was here that you’d find gamers glued to machines, living their pixelated dreams.

The arcade was slightly unhinged, a place where time ceased to exist. I remember the thrill of spending endless quarters, determined to beat the high score on my favorite game.

It was more than just gaming; it was an escape, a magical realm where you could be a hero, a race car driver, or a space invader. The arcade was where friendships were formed over shared victories and losses, a digital battleground where the stakes were high, and the fun was endless.

12. Plastic Plants. Everywhere.

Plastic plants were the unsung heroes of ’70s mall decor. Ferns and palms were everywhere, turning sterile shopping centers into jungle-like escapes. They were the perfect solution for a decor budget of zero.

I often joked that the plants were more smoke than leaf, thanks to the ever-present cigarette haze. Yet, their presence added a touch of the exotic, making each visit feel like an adventure.

These artificial jungles were more than decor; they were a testament to the era’s love for low-maintenance greenery. The plastic plants never wilted, never needed watering, and somehow always looked just right. They were the backdrop to countless shopping trips, silent witnesses to the hustle and bustle of mall life.

13. The Sears “Everything Section”

Sears was the original everything store, a precursor to Amazon with more walking and, thankfully, more brown. You could find anything, from lawnmowers to pantyhose, all under one roof.

I remember marveling at the sheer variety of products, each aisle a new world of possibilities. Need a blender and a prom dress? Sears had you covered, usually in earth tones.

The “everything section” was more than just convenience; it was an adventure in shopping abundance. Each visit felt like a scavenger hunt, with treasures waiting to be discovered. The range of products was mind-boggling, a reminder of a time when one store truly had it all, making every trip to Sears an epic shopping adventure.