IF you are strolling through a shopping mall after finishing your shopping, and are wondering what to do next, here are some of the many ways you can continue to have fun in a way that does not drain your wallet or purse.
This will help maximise the time you spend in exploring the mall, letting you enjoy a perfect day out.
TRY EXPLORING FREE ART AND POP-UPS
Certain shopping malls, such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, are known for their seasonal exhibitions, or festive installations that provide a visual feast for shoppers.
During Christmas or Chinese New Year, you can also find pop-ups selling seasonal decorations. You might find yourself mesmerised by what is on offer, and gain some insight into how festive celebrations have evolved over time.
JOIN FREE WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Indulge yourself in creative workshops to enhance your creativity. Explore the art of pottery-making at Good Times DIY Pottery Studio, Paradigm Mall, or try your hand at fluid pouring at one of its workshops at Eko Cheras Mall.
Not only do they improve your perspective on art, but these workshops also make your shopping experience more worthwhile and holistic, rather than just being materialistic.
WINDOW SHOPPING CHALLENGE
If you are on a budget, you can always window shop at all your favourite stores, and make a wishlist for what to buy next. You can also browse items that are not too expensive, such as those under RM10.
For example, cheap yet quality items can be found at shops like Mr. DIY and Daiso.
TRY FREE SAMPLES
While walking through the mall, you may find people handing out free samples of their products, be it desserts, food, drinks, or even beauty products like perfumes. You can always aim to try their free samples, which sometimes come in mini sizes or amounts that you can take home.
You can also stroll around areas that often house pop-up stalls, such as food courts or bakeries. If you're lucky, you might not even need to order a full meal, because you are already stuffed with food samples.
FIND INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS
Shopping malls have beautifully decorated spaces that are perfect for lounging after a long day of shopping. The next time you rest in these areas, you could make use of your camera and create a beautiful, Instagrammable, and aesthetic Instagram story or post.
You can try eyeing any rooftop gardens, murals, or unique architecture, such as those observed at TRX and Lalaport.
PEOPLE-WATCH TO UNWIND
Did you know that people-watching can also help relieve the stress of shopping all day? You can relax in atriums while either people-watching, reading, or listening to music.
This is perfect for those who are out shopping by themselves, allowing them to enjoy their free time without troubling anyone else. And if you decide to spend some time reading, you can also reach your reading goals for the year a lot faster.
VISIT BOOKSTORES AND LIBRARIES
Most shopping malls have libraries and bookstores to cater to bookworms, as well as those who are developing an interest in reading. This is a good habit that should be encouraged by allowing bookstores to be a space for people to visit, as well as read.
Bookstores like Kinokuniya in KLCC have a space for people to sit and read, making the shopping process relaxing and interactive. Other than Kinokuniya, BookXcess and Tsutaya Books also offer the same convenience through their designated reading sections.
CATCH LIVE PERFORMANCES
Throughout the year, shopping malls will hold live performances and events. You can look through their website or social media accounts to plan your shopping trip around the dates that they host live performances, as well as interesting events that feature key guests and even celebrities.
There are also typically cultural shows during festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year.
DISCOVER MORE OF THE LOCAL CULTURE
Last but not least, shopping malls often promote local culture through stores or kiosks where you can purchase traditional clothing like batik, songket, saris, or punjabi suits, hand-painted plates and mugs, and local perfume brands such as Attar. These symbolise the richness of the multicultural society of Malaysia, consisting of Malays, Indians, and Chinese as the majority.
By exploring local products, not necessarily to buy, but for the sake of acquiring knowledge, you are also helping yourself become more culturally aware.
So, what are you waiting for? Some of these can complement your shopping visit and make it more valuable without disregarding your true purpose of going to a mall, or even be made the main objective for the sake of them on their own.