“Sir the clearance section is just over here”. I must radiated some sort of ray which gives people the impression that I’m either poor or a bargain rack shopper. As we entered the Lululemon store at Square One during our back to school shopping trip yesterday, the very first store associate that saw me, directed me to the sale/clearance section. While the other associates took Caron and our girls to the “latest” arrivals section. I’m not sure what her reasoning was for this, but I looked her in the eye and walked out.
Back in 1973, Square One took shape in the middle of farmers’ fields. Today it has grown to truly be a shopper’s paradise! With over 330 stores, Square One offers the most unique blend of leading retailers, specialty shops, 40 dining venues and four successful major department stores. Recent dramatic renovations have resulted in a fashion-forward interior design that offers customers a cosmopolitan and vibrant shopping experience with three new “neighbourhoods” as well as new and improved features.
I knew from past experience that going to Square One over the weekend does mean having to deal with large crowds, irate shoppers and the usual fight for parking spots. So we decided on a weekday evening so we could have the mall to ourselves. And we did. The mall itself is well spread out so be prepared for walking and do keep track of where you are by using the many directory listings throughout the hallways since it’s very easy to find yourself back in a section you’ve already been.
With bright, wide and colorful hallways with a modern feel, it makes for a wonderful shopping experience. Prices are comparable to stores in any mall you’d shop at in Ontario, except you can truly find just about anything under one roof at Square One. There are anchor stores such as, Walmart, Sears, The Bay, Zellers and for the “geeks” there’s the Apple Store which seems to attract just about everyone who visit. Including me… had to check my email.
There’s a wide selection of dining options in the food court, with the average meal combo priced around $7-$10 and there’s also Johnny Rockets (excellent burger) and a few other specialty restaurants (see store director below). Even on this day when the crowds were thin, we did have to be a bit patient to find a table in the food court, so if you’re going on the weekend, be prepared to hunt for seating.
The mall is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators so feel free to bring the young ones, even if it means having to bring your stroller. BTW, the guest services areas do have baby strollers for rent in the event you forget yours at home.
Our girls did comment that though the same stores can be found in other malls in the area, there seems to be a wider selection here and some of the items you simply couldn’t get at the smaller malls. Fellas, rest assured that there are chairs (nice and comfy) throughout the hallways in the event you’re like me and have to take a break ever so often.
MALL HOURS
Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sat: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Sun: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Square One Shopping Centre
100 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON
L5B 2C9
Telephone: 905-279-SHOP (7467)
Mall Office: 905-270-7771
Administration Fax: 905-270-1180
You may contact Guest Services for immediate assistance at 905-270-7771 ext. 2248.
For a complete directory listing of all the stores, see here!
Anchor store hours of operation:
Wal-Mart
Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 11:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am – 11:00pm
Sunday: 7:00am – 11:00pm
The Bay
Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 9:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Sears
Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Zellers
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
