Open Writing

In the fast changing world of today, one of the constants is our need to provide ourselves with food and clothing, household goods and all the other bits and pieces that give our lives their individual shape and character. So how do we manage this? We go shopping - nowadays, at The Shopping Mall.

For most of us, this is a routine necessity, but for others it is an addiction. They find immense comfort and pleasure roaming the well stocked shelves and display counters and even if they don?t have much money, a Special Offer bargain can often be found.

There are differing opinions on these new Meccas of marketing. For some, they represent crass commercialism: branches of chain stores and multinationals all competing for trade, trying to squeeze out small traders and gain a monopoly. There is a nostalgia for the old village streets with their diversity of small shops, which catered for the individual needs of their customers. Then, there was time to have a chat.

But for modern people with busy lives and a limited amount of time, the shopping mall is ideal. They know exactly what they want and push their trolleys, which sometimes contain small screaming children, round the aisles of some large cathedral of commerce, loading up with all the conveniences for modern living.

But both these needs can be met within the smaller local precincts. There we find the convenience of a good supermarket with the attraction of smaller, privately owned units - the florist, the newsagent, hairdresser, greengrocer, and the stall for local arts and crafts. These shopping oases have coffee shops and cafes where local people drop in - often meeting up with friends and neighbours.

Traders in the small units are also neighbourly, making for a community spirit and village atmosphere. Elderly men from the local Greek or Italian communities gather at the sitting areas to chat and argue on current events - and eye up the local girls as they pass. Perhaps a substitute for the village meeting place in their home lands.

For the increasing number of single people in our communities, there seem to be limitations on where to meet companions or partners of the opposite sex - or same sex if they prefer that. I?m reliably informed that shopping malls are becoming attractive and convenient social haunts.

Thursday evenings, with late night shopping, are a good time to browse with a trolley. You can discuss with another gourmet the merits of olives, cheeses and new types of bread, as you stand side by side gazing at the 101 varieties on display.

Ladies of petite stature can ask tall men to reach down products from a high shelf, and reward them with a warm smile. Animal lovers linger in the pet food aisle, discussing and advising on which foods their fussy cats will eat. There is a pleasant feeling of sharing and communing. Shoppers crowd together in the small caf鳬 shifting bags and parcels to make room for each other. Friendly glances can lead to conversation.

There has always been a basic need in humans to congregate with their own kind. Men in ancient times hunted together. Groups of women would gather food from the forest. In the middle ages, the great markets held on holy days in Europe attracted people from miles around, to buy or barter for all kinds of goods, and enjoy the performances of jugglers, musicians, and soothsayers. And these characters are still around as the buskers who travel the world and turn up in our city squares and markets today. The stage has changed but the characters in the play are basically the same.

Modern design tends to produce buildings that look bland and sterile, but their interior spaces can be transformed by the energy and vitality of those passing through, especially families with children. However we view these modern Aladdin?s caves, they are here to stay. So, let us enjoy their benefits - constant temperature in all weathers, sustenance from some exotic counter, and perhaps the thrill of finding a wonderful bargain. Shop on!