Just Say No To Hawkers

Malls need to ban hawkers who harass customers in the halls.  Seriously, it’s frustrating and it makes me not want to go to the mall. 

When I visit the mall, I expect to enjoy my time there browsing and purchasing, grabbing a bite with my husband.  I don’t expect to be attacked by people desperate to make a sale. 

On Saturday we strolled Towson Town Center.  While walking the halls, we successfully dodged several hawkers.  If we’re not interested, we’re not interested.  But one girl had a dirty trick up her sleeve and I fell for it.

When I nicely said “No thanks” to her offer for a cream sample, she responded “Are those your real nails?”

OK, I’m a little vain about my nails because I get so many compliments.  I don’t do anything to them and they’re perfect.  Never been for a manicure in my life and I don’t use strengtheners or faux nails.  So, I responded yes and she latched on to my wrist.

She wouldn’t let go.  Several times I told her “I’m not interested” and “Believe me, no matter what you say, I’m not going to buy anything” but she refused to let go of my arm.  I didn’t want to cause a scene, but I probably should have.

She whipped out this hard sponge-looking thing, basically a large nail file, and began filing away at my thumb.  She flipped it and polished it.  When she was done, mere seconds, she thought she was something special because my nail was so shiny that it hurt my eyes.  She let go, smiling, hoping I would respond.

I took that moment to run.

Ugh, I felt so violated.  The whole day I went around with my thumb feeling so different and wrong.  I could practically see my own reflection in my nail.  It was terrifying.  Who would want that?  It felt so fake. 

Next time, we won’t even pause.  There will be no pausing, no looking at them, no anything.  Hawkers are aggressive and make my mall experience unpleasant. 

Malls should just say no to hawkers.