"One Nation under Goods is a browser's paradise; to understand America's obsession with consumption, you need to make a trip to the mall with James Farrell as your guide." "This analysis of the hidden secrets of the shopping mall explains how retail designers make shopping and goods "irresistible." Architects, chain stores and mall owners beguile us into shopping, using signs, symbols, mirrors, mannequins, escalators, potted plants, and many other covert enticements. From food courts and fountains to Santa and security, Farrell explains how malls influence their patrons and convince us that shopping is always fun." "Most important, One Nation under Goods shows why the mall's ultimate promise - happiness through shopping - is largely an illusion. Malls have clear moral, environmental, and political costs. They wreak havoc on our environment, use low-wage labor from developing countries to produce affordable goods, and push people into massive debt and bankruptcy. But Farrell does not just have a list of complaints, he also offers clear-headed advice for becoming a smarter and more conscientious shopper."--BOOK JACKET.