wouldn't you think there's a better, less creepy, way

So is it just me or is being approached in somewhat dark parking lots kinda scary? I would think that's pretty common knowledge but I've encountered this scenario several times in the past couple weeks...I don't know, maybe it's just Salt Lake.

First time: I ran into Smith's to return a redbox DVD and was snacking on the crumbs of some cheese snack crackers. As I walked to my car, a older gentlemen approached me saying he had been washing windows all day to try to earn money to buy food for his young daughters. But that day it had started raining and he couldn't wash the windows...So he was asking for money. Both fortunately and unfortunately, I didn't have any cash on me (depending on if you look at my selfish feelings of gratitude that I didn't have to give away my money, or my more compassionate feelings of charity and wishing I could help). So I help up my nearly gone bag of crackers and said, "You can have these" He declined. Maybe he wasn't really trying to find food for his family, maybe the meager snacks that get me by aren't quality enough for him.

Second time: Today, I was walking to my car with a couple bags of purchases from the Walmart in Salt Lake City. This particular store has a multi-level parking garage and is a little darker than most parking lots. It was only about 6:45 and with the help of Daylight Savings Time it was still light out. But that didn't stop my surprise from being approached TWICE. Again I was snacking on some cinnamon bears (maybe there's a cause and effect element here) This young man started with a question, "Hello, do you wear cologne." Obviously he's trying to sell something and I do my best to not give him much attention. Yes I do actually wear perfume and all kinds of smelly things but gave him a simple, "No." So he tells me I should and continues talking and walking aside me as I make my way to my car. And he even let me get a sample on my right wrist...I'm smelling it right now and I actually like it..mmmm But I again told him I wasn't interested and he left me to approach a guy getting out of the car across from me. Since he was talking to me during the time that I usually find my keys, I had to set my groceries on the hood of my car while I looked for my keys in my purse. After finding them and proceeding to unlock the door (an act I am extremely grateful for after I locked myself out of my car last Saturday) I once again heard a question from a young man's voice but this time it asked, "What perfume do you wear?" Luckily I was able to send this guy off with a simple "Sorry, he already got me." Then as he walked away we exchanged comments like, it smells good huh. Yes, yes it does.

But seriously...who approaches girls by themselves in parking lots to sell them things??? Most likely they will think you are attacking them or will at least be defensive towards you and less likely to buy things. My advice, find a different way to sell your project...perhaps a way that doesn't resemble a questionable situation.