ST. LOUIS — We are officially in the mall parking lot mania zone! It can get a bit tense as you wade into the fray for gift buying. But don't stress, 5 On Your Side has got you covered.
According to the St. Louis Galleria's Tami Ivy, there are a few reminders that can limit parking lot pressure and a few more you may have never thought about.
- Hit the mall early. At the Galleria, for example, congestion peaks from 1-4 p.m.
- Take the first open spot you see instead of circling for a better one.
- Try to bring patience with you.
- Opt to park in the garage, where there are often more spots available than in parking lots.
- Make right turns on the way out of the mall if you can. It keeps cars moving.
- Don't honk at people in the parking lot unless you think a car is going to back into you. Aggressive honking has actually been proven to make the parking situation more delayed.
To avoid the stressful parking situation entirely, try these tips:
- Use the valet if it's free. Many people think it's too expensive or is not complimentary when it is. You can do it on your phone.
- Go with a friend to drop your car off in a great spot before the mall opens. Grab breakfast or catch up over coffee with them. Then get dropped back at the mall to do your shopping.
- Use Uber or Lyft to get to the mall.
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