Living Mannequins Keep Their Places to Move the Merchandise at Midwest Mall

They stand as still as fiberglass mannequins. Then you see them blink.

If they look lifelike, that’s because they are alive.

When shoppers pass by, “I think they think we’re real (mannequins),” 14-year-old Jennifer Meyer said.

Rudi Pyle, 14, agreed. “At first they do, and then they look closer and see you blink.”

They and two other Decatur girls were working as “freeze models” in front of the Ups ‘n’ Downs clothing store in Hickory Point Mall. The store has 30 models who pose on weekends.

Some people are scared when they see the “mannequins” move, said Karissa Koyak, 13.

“Some people have to come up and touch you to make sure, and then they feel like fools,” said Laura Suckow, 13.

Do the models feel like fools?

‘Make You Laugh’

“Sometimes,” Laura acknowledged, “when they say some really weird comment to make you laugh.”

The girls agreed that keeping a straight face was one of the more difficult parts of the job.

Karissa said that, when she sees people she knows, “I get red.” But Rudi said she just smiles “so they know I’m not stuck up or anything.”

Instead of payment, the models get a 20% discount on clothing they buy in the store on the days they work.

Some, interested in being professional models, value the experience. Others just see it as a way to pass the time and enjoy shoppers’ reactions.

“It’s sort of something for them to do for fun,” said Dawn Lazell, assistant store manager, who coordinates the program.

The girls choose poses that resemble the non-living mannequins seen in storefront displays. They alternate sitting and standing so their feet don’t get too tired. Their positions change about every 15 minutes during the two-hour period they work, Rudi said.

Sometimes Whisper

The girls are not allowed to chew gum or start conversations among themselves or with shoppers--though Laura admits that they do whisper to each other sometimes.

Lazell said the freeze models are a first for the mall. But they are seen frequently in bigger cities to promote clothing, store manager Paula Jones said.

The models can be seen from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday wearing clothing chosen by store employees--usually new merchandise, price tags and all. The girls provide their own shoes, socks and earrings.

“I started because I want to be a model when I get older, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to practice,” Laura said.

Jennifer said, “I just think it’s fun, something to do on weekends because there’s nothing to do.” It also looks good on a resume, she said. “Plus, the 20% off on clothes.”