There are over 30 shopping malls and outlet malls in the Garden State. Let’s take a look at the 13 malls in New Jersey where you should be shopping right now!
Some of our NJ mall selections are obvious — the luxurious Short Hills Mall or the “quintessentially Jersey” Garden State Plaza, for example. But have you been to underrated gems like Bridgewater Commons or Menlo Park Mall recently?
Whether you like factory direct outlet shopping, great anchor stores, or a family meal at a chain restaurant, these malls in New Jersey have it all!
How We Chose Our Favorite Malls in New Jersey
Here are the 4 main criteria we used to select our favorite New Jersey shopping malls:
- Customer reviews: Your opinions are what matters most when it comes to NJ malls! We looked at reviews and social media content to see where you’re really shopping, and why you go there.
- Stability of ownership: Does the ownership group seem to care about the mall property and how it’s maintained and promoted?
- Number of occupied storefronts: Few things are more depressing than a big mall filled with empty stores.
- Location: We want to offer NJ shopping mall options to as many people (in as many locations) as possible!
Favorite Shopping Malls in New Jersey: Top 5 Staff Picks
From the extravagant American Dream Mall to the vastly underrated Bridgewater Commons, here are the 5 New Jersey malls our staff highlighted among their favorites.
Most Luxurious NJ Mall: The Mall at Short Hills
1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ
“I don’t just go to Short Hills to shop,” one reviewer told us. “I put on my best fit and go there to be seen.”
The Mall at Short Hills is a destination for high-end mall shopping and dining. Built in 1961, the mall feels as fresh as ever due to a luxury roster of 170 retailers and restaurants.
From Balenciaga to Cartier, Ferragamo to Versace, there’s no shortage of designer star power in the Mall at Short Hills. After you shop, grab a sweet treat at Venchi.
Most Extravagant NJ Mall: American Dream Mall
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
If you spent 20 minutes at every store in American Dream Mall, it would take you 150 hours to visit them all. And stores only make up 30% of American Dream’s 3 million square feet of space.
450 retail shops. Over 100 eateries. Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. Big Snow indoor ski slope. DreamWorks indoor water park. An NHL-sized ice rink. Legoland Discovery Center. And that’s leaving out dozens of entertainment attractions.
You can reach American Dream Mall on 5 different NJ Transit bus lines, the Meadowlands rail station, or by driving to the Meadowlands Sports Complex (next to MetLife Stadium).
The “Most Jersey” Mall in New Jersey: Westfield Garden State Plaza
1 Garden State Plaza Parkway, Paramus, NJ
To many New Jerseyans, Garden State Plaza is “the Jersey mall”. This 2.16 million square foot mall sits at the intersection of Route 4 and Route 17 and features over 300 stores and service options.
Garden State Plaza opened in 1957 and has gone strong for nearly 70 years. Its anchor stores are Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Nordstrom, but there’s plenty more to love here.
Despite its age, the mall is constantly reinventing itself with new stores and tenants — as of 2024, Arc’teryx, Rothy’s and MANGO will join the roster. Garden State Plaza is a great mix of stores at various price points — there’s something for every budget here.
Note: Due to specific Bergen County blue laws, Westfield Garden State Plaza is (almost entirely) closed on Sundays. You can still enjoy dining at select restaurants, or catch a movie at AMC Theatres.
Most Underrated Mall in NJ: Bridgewater Commons
400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ
After a massive 2023 takeover, Bridgewater Commons Mall aims to go from ‘great’ to spectacular. It’s already Central Jersey’s best mall with 150+ restaurants and stores, plus a dine-in AMC Theatres location.
Bridgewater Commons offers 3 stories of shops, currently anchored by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. The mall’s general focus is on well-known retailers like Pottery Barn, J. Crew and lululemon, with several local shops added in.
Outside the mall, The Village at Bridgewater Commons offers even more shopping in a 94,000 square foot open-air space. The Village includes Maggiano’s, Shake Shack and White House Black Market locations.
Best South Jersey Mall: Cherry Hill Mall
2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ
Cherry Hill Mall opened in 1961, and has been the go-to South Jersey shopping mall for over 60 years. It was the first climate-controlled indoor shopping center built east of the Mississippi River in the United States.
The mall features 130+ stores and is currently anchored by 3 department stores — Macy’s, JCPenney and Nordstrom. Stores inside Cherry Hill Mall cover a wide array of price points and styles, from H&M and Urban Outfitters to Brooks Brothers and Michael Kors.
Cherry Hill Mall has 30+ food and drink options, most of which are quick eats. For a sit down dining experience, you can visit The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, and Kooma Asian Fusion and Sushi Bar (opening in 2024).
5 Other Great Malls in New Jersey to Visit
Want a new experience? Already been to Garden State Plaza a thousand times? Try these 5 NJ malls out — you won’t be disappointed.
Menlo Park Mall
55 Parsonage Rd, Edison, NJ
Menlo Park Mall is a 2-story super regional mall in Edison, NJ. Since its major upgrade in 2016, it’s become one of the state’s finest shopping malls — especially if you like a variety of dining options.
Havana Central, Benihana, Seasons 52 Fresh Grill, Rainforest Cafe and over a dozen more food options await at Menlo Park Mall. The entrance to the restaurant wing and dining pavilion is aesthetically pleasing, and you won’t leave hungry!
Menlo Park Mall has the usual favorites in terms of shopping, but there are a few unique standouts. Warby Parker, MANGO, Uniqlo and Michael Kors all call this mall home. And if you’re stuffed after eating, stop by Orange Theory Fitness for a workout.
Freehold Raceway Mall
1710 US-9, Freehold, NJ
Freehold Raceway Mall gets its name from its location — it was constructed on land originally used for stables. It currently features 5 anchor tenants, including Macy’s, JCPenney, L.L. Bean, Bob’s Stores, and Primark.
The shopping mall has always regarded itself as somewhat high end, but offers plenty of retail options at various price points. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Freehold Raceway Mall has added a number of stores, including Lovisa, LoveSac, and a revamped Apple store.
A rezoning decision in 2021 designated the property as a “regional mall shopping center”. This allows for some exciting potential entertainment and event features. Frequent Freehold shoppers recognize the Heritage Amusement Carousel as a central mall landmark.
Deptford Mall
1750 Deptford Center Rd, Deptford, NJ
South Jersey shoppers looking for an alternative to Cherry Hill Mall should visit Deptford Mall, located just off Route 42. It’s anchored by a strong variety of stores — JCPenney, Macy’s, Boscov’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Round One Bowling & Arcade.
Besides the on-premises bowling and arcade center, Deptford Mall has several other unique storefronts. Bonesaw Pilot House is a craft beer brewing company and tap room. There’s also a Crunch Fitness located in the outer parking lot area.
Rockaway Townsquare Mall
301 Mount Hope Ave, Rockaway Township, NJ
Rockaway Townsquare Mall was hit hard pretty hard by COVID-19, losing two anchor stores in the process (Sears and Lord & Taylor). But Simon didn’t give up on this Morris County mall, and some recent glow-ups have shoppers excited about the future.
Recent upgrades to the mall’s interior include Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, and a re-opened Starbucks. An upcoming Xtreme Energy active play facility includes trampolines, ropes courses, rock climbing and a birthday venue.
The strip malls that surround Rockaway Townsquare are particularly strong. Kirkland Home, Miller’s Ale House, Buffalo Wild Wings, Best Buy, AMC Theatres, Target, DSW, and Dick’s Sporting Goods all have major storefronts here.
Princeton MarketFair Mall
3535 US-1, Princeton, NJ
MarketFair is a beautiful, charming single-story shopping mall on the busy Route 1 corridor near Princeton and West Windsor. MarketFair features roughly 40 stores and dining establishments, catering to a higher-end clientele.
The 4 wings of MarketFair are anchored by Barnes & Noble, TGI Friday’s, AMC Theatres, and Eastern Mountain Sports. The interior of the shopping center primarily features a variety of clothing and home furnishing retailers.
Stop by MarketFair to shop at several stores not found in most New Jersey malls — West Elm, Pottery Barn, BoConcept and OrangeTwist are all here.
Outlet Mall Shopping in New Jersey
Do you prefer factory direct outlet mall shopping over the shopping mall experience? Here are 3 NJ outlets to try.
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets
1 Premium Outlets Blvd, Tinton Falls, NJ
If your friends are “going to the Tinton Falls Outlets”, they mean Jersey Shore Premium Outlets. This outdoor shopping mall is located off the Garden State Parkway Exit 100B and features 120 stores.
According to the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets website, each of their stores offers daily savings of 25% to 65% off. The entire shopping center is fashioned like a series of shore houses along a boardwalk, bringing a relaxing beach vibe to your day of outlet shopping.
These outlets pack a ton of variety — casual to luxury, sporty to formal. You’ll find adidas, Guess, Marc Jacobs, Vineyard Vines, Ugg, Lacoste and more here.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ
Jersey Gardens is the largest outlet mall in New Jersey, featuring 230+ stores and services. Its location in an Urban Enterprise Zone makes it a magnet for Manhattan shoppers looking for bargains outside New York City — the outlets also offer direct access from Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Daily savings at Jersey Gardens are advertised to reach up to 70% off. Major stores in the center include Saks 5th Avenue, Camille La Vie, Nike Factory Store, Burlington Coat Factory and Old Navy. The location also has a Loews Cineplex.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens is currently part of “The Mills” group of shopping centers owned by Simon Property Group.
Tanger Outlets Atlantic City
2014 Baltic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
Tanger Outlets features 109 stores spanning 3 city blocks in Atlantic City. It’s a hot destination for visitors to AC that want a break from gambling, casinos and nightlife.
Variety is the spice of life at Tanger Outlets New Jersey. Shop American Eagle Outfitters, Kate Spade, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, Nautica and Michael Kors in one afternoon —plus 100+ more name brands you’re sure to recognize.
There are several dining options for you at Tanger Outlets as well. Go upscale at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, or enjoy food and games at Dave & Buster’s.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a bargain at outlet malls, an historic slice of Jersey shopping at Cherry Hill Mall or Garden State Plaza, or an underrated gem like Bridgewater Commons, malls in New Jersey certainly won’t let you down.
It’s wonderful to see so many NJ shopping centers bouncing back and thriving after surviving the COVID era. Get out, do some shopping, and keep the NJ mall scene alive!
