Pickup at the Mall

Many of us hate overcrowded malls ... but two wrongs can make a right. Use the shopping buzz to your advantage and kill two birds with one stone: pick up a date and make your shopping fun! You can take advantage of strategic components of shopping to give you more opportunities to pick up more successfully. Location, uniform and conversational tactics can be capitalized upon despite shopping conditions. Read on for some tricks...

Location, Location, Location

1. Shop in stores that have a lot of variety - a wide selection of goods attracts a wide variety of women. Department stores, grocery stores, large sporting goods and malls attract ladies of all walks of life because they have that wide diversity.

2. Filter out certain stores... the chances are that most men shopping at lingerie stores are taken. The same thing might apply to women looking at home entertainment or the electronic gadgets suited to men. Don't waste your time shopping at places that have such limited opportunities.

3. Try to make your approach in a department where you feel comfortable talking about the surroundings - whether you're a sports enthusiast or a home renovation expert, you'll be more apt to talk to prospects when you're stimulated by your preferred environment. You could even show off your expertise by helping a hottie with something they're looking for. Shopping at places you enjoy can also provide the enthusiasm to spark a conversation.

4. Branch out to a new location - this is the opposite of tip 3. The advantage of shopping at places that you're unfamiliar with is that you'll be able to ignite a dialogue by asking someone there if they know about the store, a product or whatever. You're showing that you're curious, interested in something that they probably enjoy and that you're not afraid to ask for help.

Be approachable

1. Skip your sweats in favour of something you might wear on a first date. Don't look too dressy, but definitely avoid frumpy or lazy. Remember, what you're wearing will be a big factor in the first impression you give to a potential date. They can scope you out from far away, so avoid doing anything embarrassing like pick your nose or scratch your parts.

2. Spend some time shopping solo - although it can be fun to shop in a group or with a friend, many people will feel more comfortable breaking the ice when you're by yourself.

3. Get off the phone! Don't chat on your cell phone all day because people are reluctant to interrupt your conversation even if they do want to make conversation (or perhaps a pass) at you. Don't miss an opportunity - keep your calls brief. However, if you do have to talk on the phone, use it as an occasion to smile, look animated (but don't go too overboard) and act like you're the most wonderful person in the world.

4. Don't rush - you'll have a better chance of scoping out the scenery... and give the scenery a better chance of scoping out you.

Making Conversation

1. Ask for feedback about something that you're looking at. People love to give their opinions - so ask them for it, even if you don't need it. This is a softer, more spontaneous way to spark up a conversation, without having the usual pressures of what to say. They just say what comes instinctively to them, which will give you a great first impression.

2. Give them advice - If you see someone paying particular attention to something that you happen to be familiar with, why not mosey on down there and fish for an opening? You could ask them if they've ever tried it/had it before and offer your opinion about that product.

3. Ask them to try something on (perhaps a jacket?), so you can check it out better - whether you're a man or woman, you can ask someone to try something on if you do it tactfully. Most of all, you have to read your potential date's willingness to have fun with the situation. This is a great way to flirt without any added pressure.

So grab a Mocha and your finest jeans and head out on your shopping excursion!