Activity #1-Tamon Charles

Tamon Charles

Urban Life 101

Activity #1-Be a Flaneur

The place I have chosen for this exercise was the Atlantic Center that is located in Brooklyn. As I entered the mall, I am noticing people are gathered in groups at time whether as a family (I assume that with some couples with strollers) as well as a clique of friends. Everyone is engaged whether at the McDonalds grabbing a quick snack are being helped by customer service associates in the stores of choice.

I have observed that admits the chattering that some of the trendy stores that are geared towards attracting younger shoppers like Mandees-also use the tactic of playing “hip” and updated music to get turn consumers into perspective customers. I have also observed that in the groups of shoppers-they appeared to be of the same age and of the same sex. For example, at the Victoria Secrets store which is conveniently located next to the Mandees- the same bunch of young women who are having a great time together and enter both stores to enjoy their experience.

I also noticed that more families whether single parent or nuclear and so on preferred using the store Target on the Upper Level of the Center and that more kids are having the time of their lives running in the huge spaces in the aisles of Target rather than the more trendy store-Daffy’s which is adjacent to it. The lighting, various departments and use of colors and lots of open space can be factors that contribute to this. And also, children are more attentive in stores like Mrs. Fields and Mc Donalds as opposed to stores like Daffy’s even if there are items for their age group.

I believe that my observations tell me that urban life is very much about the availability of goods in close proximity that is very convenient for New York City citizens. We have the access to these basic needs or wants and the availability of the transit system that allows us to be at our destinations as quickly as possible. The Atlantic Center for instance is conveniently located above the train station that run locally as well as to the surburbs by use of the Long Island Railroad for instance. And also, there are many bus lines to travel back and forth this Center as well.