I can see how you might forget something. I often remember that I need to go to the supermarket on my way home, but I don't necessarily remember to buy what I need to buy (e.g. I went to the supermarket to get Toothpaste, Tissues and something else the other day, instead I forgot all of those, and returned home with dinner for the next night). If the lady is returning to college then it may be the one major shop that she will have for several months, if she doesn't have a car there are bulky things that are difficult to get home without one (e.g. 18kg of 2 small bookshelves, or a 34cm tv puts a strain on the arms walking down the mall, on the bus then down the street for me, and yes I have previously done this).
Malls, I tend to go to for some purpose, do a wander to a few additional stores, and not buy anything other than what I had intended (sometimes I don't even buy that if I can't find what I want).