10 Reasons why the Columbia Mall sucks

Posted to MOVE Fashion by Jasmin James at 8:30 a.m., Nov. 1, 2010

1. You can’t build an entire wardrobe at Express, Abercrombie, or American Eagle. These stores sell clothes but they don’t sell trends. A store such as Express will always have the same type of clothes, following the same pattern and the same recognizable style.

2. We don’t have an H&M. For those of you from a major city, you know that H&M clothing serves as a staple in any season. The store keeps up with current trends, and its clothes are quality. Best of all, you can’t break the bank.

3. Why is Sears here? If not for the auto care services it rendered to my Pontiac G6 earlier this semester, I'd be inclined to say it serves as a wasted venue adjacent to JCPenny. In my rush to look for a homecoming dress, I went to Sears and was told the store doesn’t sell dresses. What? I later realized that, aside from a very basic denim selection and maybe a cute top every now and then, Sears is dragging our mall down.

4. Buckle. In an attempt to regain some respect from the college students of MU, Columbia Mall decided that Buckle, an overpriced leather and denim store, would make up for the lack of real stores. This failed. The store is interesting and does pull you in. But in terms of its selection, its clothing consists mostly of its own brand and overpriced no-name or unknown brands.

5. Where's United Colors or French Connection? These two stores have become increasingly popular in the last few years because they appeal to a different type of wardrobe. They offer a more contemporary look versus the edgier look of some other chain retailers.

6. We have GAP and Old Navy, but no Banana Republic. For guys who want a nice pair of well-fitted dress pants that aren't cheaply made, where are they supposed to go? Express Men? Heavens no. Guys need khakis and cords too.

7. Maurice’s and Vanity are taking up valuable space. These two stores are another example of overpriced, cheap clothing. In what world does a t-shirt made entirely out of synthetic fabric cost $28.50? Not mine.

8. No Nordstrom, No Nordstrom Rack. Enough said.

9. At the risk of sounding dramatic, there is no MAC counter in Macy’s.

10. Macy's isn't connected to the mall. It’s one of the countries most notable department stores and usually makes its way into most malls. Instead, Columbia Mall's three big department stores are Sears, JCPenny and Dillard’s. How unfortunate.