Here’s where I get real with you. Don’t trust the automatic doors. I once stood outside at 8:55 AM on a Thursday, convinced I saw a worker wave me in. That worker was actually waving at a pigeon. The doors stay locked until 9:00 on the dot—I’m pretty sure there’s a security guard with a stopwatch. Your time is valuable, but so is their coffee break.
Also, those “extended hours” they sometimes advertise around Black Friday? They’re real, but they’re like unicorns: rare, magical, and you’ll need to check the centre’s website to confirm they exist. Pro tip: follow their social media for last-minute updates, because the universe loves to test your commitment to shopping.
The Great Christmas Exception
December is where St Johns becomes a wild card. They might open at 8:00 AM some days, or close at 8:00 PM others. It’s a logistical choose-your-own-adventure. Last year, I showed up at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday in December, only to find a sign saying the car park was full by 9:30. The moral? If you’re going during the holidays, plan like you’re invading a small country—bring supplies, a backup plan, and maybe a thermos.
St John’s, Liverpool – RivingtonHark
