Mall Mania, a favorite of many participants, is much more than just going to the mall. We got to shop and learn all kinds of neat things about clothes and fashion. In the Knoxville area, Dillard's worked with youth to teach them about merchandise display. Youth are also given the role of Secret Shopper while at the mall. With an imaginary budget, they are given a mission to complete.
Comparison shopping is taught where quality, care and cost all factor into the exercise.
After comparing stores and individual items, youth report back on their findings. It was a real-life situation to buy clothes and hopefully have money left over. From us it is boring, but from Kids Under Construction it is fun. Mall Mania is an experiential learning adventure that teaches participants to be aware of labels, fabrics and prices-skills that can be used now and in the future. Another important component of the program is clothing construction.