Out & About #423 | Miniso Bramalea + Crepe de Licious

​If the now-vacant Target space was re-purposed into a Uniqlo or Miniso - or even better, a Daiso! - then it's safe to conclude that I'd never be able to find parking ever again.

​As a result of blatant distractions during my second Miniso run at Hillcrest, I had completely forgotten to pick up a wrist guard in the correct size. I was later informed that the store had sold out of the specific product, and thus was prompted to find their other locations.
Bramalea City Centre was seemingly closest in distance, but taking into consideration the sluggishness of the 410 and the overall unsophistication of the city, the journey was downright inefficient in terms of travel time.

​While mall expansions and renovations are proved trendy as of late, Bramalea's seems to be a tedious, ongoing process. I appreciated the availability of underground parking near Pickle Barrel, as well as the taller ceiling and Queen Street entrance, though it lacks the cohesive appearance possessed by similarly-sized shopping centres such as Erin Mills and Hillcrest.

​On the bright side, Miniso's venture into Flower Town was significantly larger, marked by a store space averaging 2.5 to 3 times as large as that of Hillcrest. Offerings were consistent across both stores, though a larger selection of stationery, accessories (namely jewel-bedecked head scarves), home hardware tools, and plastic sandals were present. The product range was reflective of the demands of local residents; for those that argued return policies for $2.99 items, I have no words for them.

​The aisles were undeniably more spacious, which enabled customers to not only maneuver about with ease, but also meander through with baby strollers (and small children) in tow.
Another surprising aspect was the expansive assortment of Korean skincare products, specifically face masks. Only a few Nature Republic and It'sSKIN products had been spotted at Hillcrest, whereas two stacked shelves of It'sSKIN face masks (both limited edition and regular styles), Tony Moly I'm Real sheet masks, and Holika Holika nose strips were situated near the entrance at Bramalea. Prices were quite fair and on par with the official retailers at Pacific Mall.

​After leisurely perusing the aisles, the task of the day finally hit me: I needed a wrist guard. Swiping the last unit from the shelf, we joined the lineup and headed in the direction of the food court.

​While en route, we stumbled upon a store by the name of Owl Monkeys. I, the ever-devoted lover of primates, voted in favour of making a quick round inside. The hefty price tags, odd-looking cushions, and death glare from the man inside discouraged anything more than a two-minute stay.

​Since Square One's first leg of renovations several years ago, Crepe de Licious had been promptly annihilated from the old Target wing. When I managed to catch sight of its appearance after our stroll, I made a beeline for the fast food eatery, evidently excited.

< Pictured above and below: Viva La Crepe and Tuttie Fruitie >

​As the last stop in Brampton, I suggested journeying to Downtown Brampton for the purpose of introducing T by Daniel's spectacular Lion Chai.

Unfortunately, I had not taken to checking their social accounts over the course of the New Year. My heart was shattered at the sight of their notice. Thankfully, the permanent closure in Downtown Brampton promised a grand leap through the doors of Brampton's sole shopping mall.

​With no more reason to dally in the area, we made the return trip home, stopping only by CoCo to take advantage of the last day of their red envelope promotion.