The Andares Mall is not only one of the fanciest in the metropolitan area, it is arguably also the most innovative.
Among other novelties, you can take your pooch to the mall, listen to live music most evenings, get sales tax rebates if you are a tourist, view art expos, a Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, and log on to free wifi. Always looking to add new features for visitors, the mall has come up with some interesting ideas for the new year. Among them is a book exchange cache (intercambio de lectura) and a depository for unwanted electronic items, such as cellphones, monitors, laptops. There is also a separate receptacle to dump used batteries. Another recent innovation is open-air movie screenings at weekends in aid of local charities. The movies start at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and require a 30-peso donation. The Saturday, February 13 movie is “Inside Out” and the Sunday, February 14 offering is “Minions.” A photo exhibit sponsored by the embassy of Thailand is currently showing on the mall’s upper floor.