Loving Packages Mall, with a Kid or Two

Here’s a scenario: you live in Lahore, and the weekend is approaching. The children have been dropping hints like “bounce, Mama!” and “shopping!”; two terms that have become synonymous with Packages Mall. Sound familiar?

Any attempt at leaving the house has been daunting for a while now. The terms ‘slumber’ or ‘napping’ are wasted on you. You woke up exhausted, and you’ve been this way for as long as you can remember. Good genes and a dash of that go-to concealer have you looking human. Most days.

We’ll let you in on a secret: Heading to Packages Mall is super easy. It’s not the living nightmare that maneuvering a stroller around Liberty Market would be.

Okay, we hear you. We aren’t addressing the real issues: Will you need extra supplies for the kids? Is your stash of snacks plenty? Is taking a stroller there a bad idea? Why doesn’t anyone mention those damn strollers???

Hardly anyone tells you the important stuff nowadays. Hardly.

Lucky for you, we’ve had first-hand experience visiting it with new parents (don’t ask). After some trial and error, we’ve come up with this seamless and helpful guide just for you. Yes, you needed this one. Ahan, you’re welcome!

First Things First

Before you head into Packages Mall, you need to make a decision. Repeat this question in your head:

Am I going to Packages Mall for myself or the kids?

If the answer is “myself” then you’d be wise to drive straight on over to gates 2 or 3 for entry. If for the kids – and solely for the kids – then enter through Gate 6 and you’re the coolest mom alive.

The Deal with Gate 6 at Packages Mall

Make sure to hold on tight to your little ones if they have the tendency to slip away. Don’t worry though, we know exactly where they’re headed. Our sympathies if you are the only caretaker at that moment. There’s a skating rink that is hard to miss. Behind it; mini battery-powered cars. One thing’s for sure: you’ll end up the best mom in the whole wide world.

If, alternatively, you decide on taking the elevator straight to the second floor, you’ll be greeted with the burst of colors that is Super Space. Once you enter though, an hour will be lost in seconds.

A stone’s throw away from this play area is the food court, with McDonald’s’ golden arches in sight; the holy grail for children aged 8-12. It’ll be fun seeing their scrunched up faces; their mind conflicted between Super Space and McDonald’s. But, mark our words; they’ll go for Super Space. At first.

If you have another adult with you, this would be the perfect time to leave the kids with them and go on a shopping spree.

Hey, this is a judgement-free zone.

But where to?

Shopping at Packages Mall is super-efficient. The mall is laid out like one spotless clean, spacious corridor so it’s hard to miss any of the outlets. It also makes for some good exercise. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes for this one.

Clothes

Eastern Wear

Whether it’s something for your cousin’s mehndi or just one good old, sweat-defying lawn ­ka jora that you want, prepare to have your demands met.

In one air conditioned setting, you can glide from Agha Noor to Generation quicker than the little one can drop his McNuggets. One of our editors completed her Eid shopping in under an hour in this very location. Sounds like a dream, right?

Stores to consider: AlKaram Studio, Beech Tree, Satrangi, Ethnic

Western Wear

Okay, we hear you. There are enough kaam waalay kapray rotting away in that forgotten drawer of your wardrobe. But your street-style needs sprucing up. Those pre-2010 bell bottoms are a no-no and the flowy white shirt has a big CERELAC stain on it.

Don’t fret; you’re at the right place. If you’re looking to treat yourself, NEXT, Levis and Mango are where you should be at. If you want to go easy on the wallet, you’re still spoilt for choice. Splash, Mantra and Hence are a few short steps away from one another.

Stores to consider: Almas, Beech Tree, ONE

Shoes

Nothing, and we repeat NOTHING is easier to shop for than shoes. You don’t need to ruffle your hair or cram into try-rooms to look for ‘that perfect pair’. Go on, try those heels, the purple-studded sneakers and six pairs of flip-flops if you want. You’ll be done within the hour. Efficient, right?

Stores to consider: VINCI, Borjan, Charles & Keith, InSignia

Homeware

No one knows who broke your favorite vase. But someone did and now the corner table looks sad and lonely. Don’t let it stay sad and lonely. It’s heartbreaking.

Some of the best homeware chains in Lahore have outlets in Packages Mall. Stores such as Habitt, in fact, have one of their largest displays in Packages. Head on over to Gate 3 or the area around it, and you’ll come across a number of lifestyle stores.

Stores to consider: Khaadi, Kalamkaar, Dolce Vita