So, I have been going out consistently over the past 3 weeks. I can stop a set, and usually I open with a directional opener, exchange few information and then bail. My main problem is I can't seem to transition from the opener into another topic. Here's how my last interaction went, as an example:

At the mall

Me: Hey, excuse me, do you know where H&M is?

Girl: Yeah, walk forward and turn right then turn another right.

Me: Oh, so it's right around there? I point to the place where I should walk.

Girl: Yea.

Me: That's great. I was actually trying to buy a birthday present for a friend- Is H&M a good place for women's clothes?

Girl: Well, H&M has a lot of great hoodies.

Me: Alright then. Thank you.

Girl: You're welcome.

I eject from the set.

What could I have said here that would transition the conversation smoothly into more personal topics? How do i proceed after the open?

Thanks.