Shopping malls and department stores are among the most reliably accessible free public restrooms in the US — they want customers to stay, so they maintain good facilities. Here is how to navigate them efficiently.
Shopping Mall Layout
Malls typically place restrooms at regular intervals along the main corridor, usually near the food court, anchoring department stores, and at corridor junctions. The food court restrooms tend to be the most trafficked; restrooms at the ends of corridors or on upper floors near department stores are usually cleaner and less crowded.
Department Store Strategy
Department stores often have their own restrooms separate from the mall's shared facilities. These are frequently better maintained because they serve a smaller segment of mall traffic. In a multi-story department store, restrooms on the second or third floor are typically quieter than those on street level.
Family Restrooms
Most major malls now have dedicated family restrooms with changing tables, extra space and often a toddler seat attachment. These are usually located near the general restrooms but require a separate door. Ask a mall information kiosk for the nearest location.
During Peak Shopping Times
Weekends, holidays and sales periods bring maximum traffic to mall restrooms. During Black Friday, the week before Christmas and other peak periods, restrooms near anchor stores get overwhelmed. Head to a smaller branch of a department store or a wing of the mall away from major traffic flow.