Grand Traverse Mall — Attraction in Garfield Township

Went to the mall beginning of last week, Mon. June 18th in the late morning. I was looking for a good sturdy backpack to carry on my roundtrip flight from Manistee to Chicago Midway. Wrong time of year I was told because it's considered a school item from the stores that one would think they should always have them in stock. Me, too the Company's Store buyers: You're in North Country for cripes sake! You should always have them in stock regardless of the time of year. Different parts of the Country live differently so PLEASE buy accordingly to the Demographics. It's not always 1 buy for an item across the board in your stores in the States. Adults use backpacks too. I didn't want a heavy duty pack that's used mostly for hiking, camping & hunting trips. Too heavy & big for for the airports. Also you cannot stash them under the seat which is TSA Rules. But I also didn't want a froo-froo bag or kiddy one either like most of the stores in the mall had in stock. Im not a kid & just wanted a sturdy bag which counts for 1 of your carry-on bags on most airlines. 'Ya know ... It can put up with the tough environment by being thrown around with weight in it & still perform to your expectations, still deliver & protect your lunch etc. Then I made it down through the mall to the Target Store. A very kind, young, customer oriented & personable brunette employee directed me on my way to exactly the right dept, although she is fairly new Not because she knew but because she figured that's where they should be and they were! Good for her being a new employee & all. They ade located in the luggage dept of the Target Store. There is a whole wall of good sturdy backpacks for all; Men, women & children and reasonably priced for a good backpack that will last through several years. I found the perfect backpacks for most folks regardless of gender nor age, whether it's bike trips, a few days camping, short term long distance trips, whatever your need for a pack. Check 'em out if you need one. I did & I'm...

The dream of the 90's is alive at Grand Traverse Mall, but just barely. The internets tell me that it was remodeled in 2016, but this place looks like it hasn't been styled since Bobby married Whitney. The mall is not very popular with locals, who only go into Target and Macy's. It is beige and dark, and nothing in this space indicates that the owners want it to be vibrant and modern. Empty and retro shabby, it's as if The Walking Dead and Stranger Things had a baby.

My favorite place in the mall is a semi-enclosed fiberglass play area, not unlike a gladiatorial arena, where all the snot-nosed kids collide into each other at high speed. In the center of the play space is a tree with a slippery slide, and Lord help the child that tries to run up the slide with only their socks on. We call it "The Germ Tree," as one of the combatants always has a river of mucus cascading from their face. Here, you'll find defeated parents staring vapidly at their cellphones while their battle-hardened kids live out the phrase "Only the strong survive." This is a good place to remind yourself what crying children sound like.

Of course, the pandemic has hit the mall hard, but to be honest, it wasn't doing great before the pandemic, either. 3 stars because it's a good place to take a walk in winter months. Also, there is a working carousel in...

Just went to take my son for a photo with Santa with Cherry Hill Programs company "Where is Santa", in the mall. When we got to the point to select and pay for photos (which occurs after the lovely interaction with Santa), the minimum amount for photos is $39.99. You cannot buy a single photo. That is their policy. This policy is disgusting and unacceptable. If someone takes their child to see Santa and then find out they can't afford a $40 package, how disappointing for that child. Further, they print them in all sizes to show you and then if you don't buy them they throw them in the trash. Also in front of this heart broken child. We offered them $20 to buy 1 photo, and they will not,but have no problem throwing them in the trash. Do better.

I would highly recommend that the mall attempt to find a different vendor that is supporting all children and families, not just those who have a lot money.

I posted this on their Instagram as a warning to other parents. They promptly deleted my comments now twice. This company is trash and should not be involved with children.

I will leave the emoyees alone because I realize it is their job and not their decision; however, a lesson in being polite and overall customer service would also...