I just came from the mall... (I had to go to the jewelers to get a chain fixed) and as i was walking back out I noticed a cool handmade goods store... It was amazing.. With of handmade clothing and widdeled wood... It was not grossly overpriced and the guy was sitting there carving things right there... It was like a breath of fresh air... I bought a ring from him and a little carved statue... I have a feeling that they wont last long there but it was nice to see a store in the mall from an indepentand artist... He was really nice.. I talked to him about crafting for a while,, Just thought i would let you all know
ahh I am sure it was refreshing to see that among all of the other crap that the mall breeds. I avoid malls at all costs.
That is so cool...I have never came across an original,independent store in any mall. Sadly,I don't think one would last here either. I've seen plenty of independent stores go under,because most people want stuff from the typical mall stores instead. That's really cool that you bought from him...hopefully other people will support it too.
That's awesome. I wish more ppl would support independents too. It's nice to have something one of a kind that you can take home.
There was a nice original art work store in our mall, it had candles and all sorts of incense that the guy handmade right there, it also had shirts, rings, necklaces etc all handmade...And hence the HAD...
i wish we had that at our mall. instead of spencers, with all the boobs and those stupid shirts that say i have the cock so do what i say or something. Damn malls! I cant go there anymore cuz theres too many bitches there and the minute i walk in, my self esteem just dissapears and i walk around all these so called beautiful people(who says their beautiful anyways) and i feel like crap cuz i dont look like them. Damn it!
YOU are beautiful melly... that's cool about that store in the mall. you're probably right though about it not lasting unfortunately
They don't look like them either. What I mean is if you catch them in the morning without their makeup or hair done they look totally different. YIKES! It doesn't take "beauty" to look like the girls at the mall or in the magazines... it just takes a lot of makeup and some airbrushing. It DOES take beauty to be who you are naturally... like a lot of the girls here in the forums.
wow. i really wish there were more places like that. i hate going to the mall, theres never anything there.
Our mall has a store called "Green Earth" It's clearly not an independant store, but does anyone know any more about the chain of stores? Are they actually as "green" as they try to promote?
We did have a really nice "hippie" store in our mall, but it had disappeared when I was there a couple of weeks ago. Instead, they had a display set up for David's Bridal or some crap involving wedding gowns. *sigh*
Here's a thought, which I have seen work before, but it takes a lot of cooperation. Start your own co-op with other artists/crafters. Or take samples of your work to shops that sell original work and see if they will take them on consignment. I have done that, and found there are people out there who not only appreciate original handwork, but search it out! I too hate the malls with their mass-produced OH SO UGLY goods! I learned how to so many moons ago as a protest against the schlock I found in the stores! It was very inspiring, actually. Of course, when all else fails, there are still craft shows. I moved to Arizona 2 years ago, and the craft scene is very different here. We have some large shows(very expensive and difficult to get into). However, we have a lot of small shows, mostly at schools and churches, and the booth fees are much more reasonable. And people are looking for hand-crafted items! Check it out! Judy
No independent stores around here in the malls....sadly enough. I always feel like crap when I go to malls too. And anymore, I can't find anything I like either. For awhile there I thought I could (during my short- lived 'I'm going to try to be 'cool' and shop at American Eagle' phase!)....thank goodness that came to an end! Now that was good and thoroughly damaging to my self esteem- I just wonder how all those barbies walking around malls can live with themselves every day. I seriously feel so much more beautiful now not caring than I ever did then.
yeah.. there's really no idependant stores in my mall either... just because the rent at our mall is so fucking expensive that none of the independant artists/crafters cant afford it.. its such bullshit. there IS an internation fashion store in our mall, its pretty cool.... its just, the stuff is so expensive because they have to cover the rent at the mall.. they've got some pretty cool batiked stuff, like dresses and skirts, and then some really nice spinny skirts.. its ran by this Indian couple, and they are so nice.. i'd hate to see them go under because of corprate bullshit.
I looked into a place at the mall a few years ago but a small kiosk is $1,000 a month!! No way am I going to pay that when I can get a whole store with doors and all in hope mills for $900 a month!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you know if you have a kiosk or a store in the mall and you don't open your doors in time... the mall fines you $200 each time. I wouldn't do it because I'm a night person. I've found jewlery parties to be the best money maker!
