I am a Main Street USA kinda girl and that's where I prefer to shop. It's personal, unique and enjoyable. However, there are some things that just cannot be had on Main Street and an occasional trip to the Mall is in order. When I have to, I like to go to Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover, MD because of its mix of retail and outlet stores, some of which also offer a much appreciated Military Discount.

There's is just one major drawback to shopping at Arundel Mills - it's mayhem on the weekends. Everybody and their aunt shops there. One has to circle the parking lot to score a spot and is being stalked on their way out.

Stores are chronically understaffed and it shows - many are a mess and the "pleasure" of working there is practically written all over the salespeople's faces. It's understandable, I do not enjoy the chaos either. No, I cannot say that shopping at Arundel Mills Mall is a pleasure on the weekends. I usually advise newcomers to the area to visit it during the week but today I had to ignore my own advice.

You see, I just found out my daughter is going to have PE on her first day of school and, naturally, the sneakers that fit just fine at the end of the last school year are now too small. So we had to brave the masses today.

We even made a little detour to H&M after scoring said sneakers at Stride Right. A big mistake. There was a line of about 30 people and one register. ONE. On a Saturday. At Arundel Mills Mall. I was very tempted to just leave but since I had already invested a considerable amount of time trying to find some PE suitable outfits (of course my daughter has also outgrown most of her clothes in just 9 weeks of summer break), I sighed and got in line.

My mind wandered .. back to 2005 and I remembered pulling up in front of the just-hit-the-market listing to show it to my buyers. I remembered the line of people hoping to do the same. I remembered how these houses weren't even anything spectacular, just average because back then it didn't matter.

How times have changed! Although we are seeing multiple offers in certain areas and price-ranges again, it's not comparable to the mayhem that was 2005. Hopefully it won't ever be like this again. Shopping for a house was not the enjoyable experience it ought to be ... I thought to myself, which reminded me, I'm not enjoying the chaos that is Arundel Mills Mall on the weekend.

I should follow my own advice.

ANDREA BEDARD, M.A. ~ THOMPSON COMPANY, REALTORS ~ LIVING MARYLAND BLIPS

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Thompson Company, Realtors
15711 New Hampshire Ave Silver Spring, MD 20905
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For Military Families Maryland Home Search

Andrea is a proud military spouse, mom of two beautiful little girls, hobby decorator and a Realtor® based in Silver Spring, MD. Andrea focuses on Montgomery County and Howard County Real Estate, she enjoys everything beautiful in life and always answers the phone with a smile.

 

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23 Comments on The chaos that is Arundel Mills on the weekend

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

AUG
25
313,925 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Silvia, don't be jealous - they just recently cut its size in half and its nothing like we know from Germany. Btw, there used to be an Esprit! Outlet and I was the first card carrying member ... until they closed :-(

Hi Ron, what a pleasant surprise. I swore today that this was the last time I went to that Mall on a Saturday, it's just not fun.

PS. You are welcome .. I'll look through all the pics and pin away.

Hi Tammy, thank you! Today was a good reminder that shopping ought to be fun, whether its clothes or houses! Long lines & chaos are anything but ..
4:17pm • #4
564,581 Points 152 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I ventured down into your area yesterday, Andrea.  Then on to Baltimore for a seminar.  Whew, did I enjoy climbing that mountain coming back into the Shenandoah Valley.  I can't imagine being in the mall just before school opens.  Oy!
4:51pm • #5
313,925 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Mike, although I blogged about it myself a couple weeks ago, my mom brain totally blocked out the possibility that my child could have outgrown her sneakers! :-)

OK, next time you are up here, you gotta let me know! We ought to be able to squeeze in a lunch!
5:00pm • #6
630,096 Points 100 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Can't say that enjoy having to shop right before the school year starts..it's craziness!  So sorry your experience was such mayham :)!!  Great tie in to home shopping...I wasn't ever part of the frenzy that used to be home buying though.  
5:17pm • #7
989,611 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I am a catalog shopper for just this reason. No lines for this gal!
5:39pm • #8
1,144,680 Points 107 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I totally agree.  I love small and unique places to shop with staff who really care.  Hard to find that at the mall.
5:50pm • #9
313,925 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Brenda, this place is packed every weekend, not to mention all of December. I wish I had thought of the sneakers earlier ... my bad! The frenzy led to a lot of frustration and took the joy out of the home buying experience. I remember the excitement of seeing just the right listing hit the market and before I got the chance to show it - like that afternoon - it already had offers.

Hi Cheryl, that's a smart way to shop. Unfortunately, my girls are such skinny minnies that they have to tag along and try things on or everthing I buy ends up too big and too wide or too short.

Hi again Tammy, I bet you have lots of these unique places in your area! It's such a difference when you stop at a locally owned business .. they are always friendly and always have time for a chat. Much more enjoyable!
5:57pm • #10
316,403 Points 5 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

We braved the mall on Friday.  Got there before it opened, so we wouldn't have to deal with the masses that would be there by noonish!  I think I may go to the mall at most once a year. Not a shopper...unless we're talking homes!! LOL!
6:18pm • #11
470,318 Points 50 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Andrea, I prefer to stay out of malls, unless I absolutely have to go in to buy something they have. The larger malls remind me of casinos, once you're in you can't find your way out all that easily.
10:04pm • #12
AUG
26
670,386 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Please don't tell my wife about this.  :)                                                                                                              
5:20am • #13
742,335 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Andrea, we have the same problem here in my area with Potomac Mill. I can't remember the last time I was in there.
6:24am • #14
276,190 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It is true!  That is the great thing about being in real estate...you can construct your schedule so that you don't have to brave the malls on the weekends!
6:36am • #15
861,139 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

There are times I like crowds and enjoy seeing and hearing all the different people and there are times when I don't
7:34am • #16
226,760 Points 6 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I hate malls...always have... and I always try to be the first to a new listing with the buyer already to sign a great offer if "it's the one" and beat the others to the punch...  still am that way...  Best way to get to the front of the line is to beat the others there.
8:19am • #17
313,925 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Sonja, I'm sure Friday was not much better but you were smart to get first thing in the morning! We went early yesterday but not early enough .. something tells me I won't be returning anytime soon.

Hi Pamela, same here! You can get lost in it ... and when I remember what I came for that store is usually on the other end.

Hi Christiansens, OK, we'll keep it between us ;-)

Hi Michael, I believe they are related, operated by the same company that is?

Hi Kathryn, yes you can, unless you totally blocked out of your mind that your child may perhaps need a few things, too, before school starts ;-)

Hi Richie, I can't say that I enjoy the crowds at Arundel Mills on the weekend.. and now that they've added a Casino, it's even worse. Best to just go on a weekday morning.

Hi Mike, Arundel Mills does have some great Outlet Stores - I just need to follow my own advice and not visit them on the weekend. But I do prefer Main Street shopping over the Mall.

At least now, we have a chance to beat others to the brand-new listing. That wasn't the case in 04 and 05 .. you could pull up the same day it hit the market and there was a line and/or offers already received.

8:44am • #18
336,880 Points 23 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

My father taught me way back when "Spend your money where you make it".
8:50am • #19
1,441,707 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

If I'm standing in line for a long period of time. .. .the person in front or my back will get may business card and I get a phone number and an email. .or else!  lol
8:55am • #20
313,925 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Chris & Dick, I don't know which one of you commented ... but your father was a smart man. I so agree.

Hi Fernando, I know I could learn a lot from you in that respect!
8:14pm • #21
AUG
28
917,866 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Andrea, how about Benetton? There used to me one at the mall where I lived in the Boston area back in 1986. Needless to say it was my favorite mall! Lol
5:32pm • #22
313,925 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Silvia, there used to be a Benetton at Arundel Mills Mall but I believe they closed down as well!
8:48pm • #23

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Andrea Bedard, M.A. ~ REALTOR® & Mil Spouse ~ Silver Spring, MD and beyond (Thompson Company Realtors) Rainmaker_large

Andrea Bedard, M.A. ~ REALTOR® & Mil Spouse ~ Silver Spring, MD and beyond

Silver Spring, MD

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Thompson Company Realtors

Address: 15711 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20905

Office Phone: (301) 384-9177

Cell Phone: (240) 593-2860

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