5 Must-Visit Malls in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to a plethora of shopping destinations, ranging from sprawling mega-malls to quaint open-air centers. Whether you're looking for designer labels, everyday essentials, or entertainment, there's a mall to cater to your every need.

1. American Dream Meadowlands: A Colossal Shopping and Entertainment Hub

Stretching across a staggering 3 million square feet, American Dream Meadowlands is one of the largest malls in the country. With over 450 stores, including anchor tenants like Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, it's a shopper's paradise.

Beyond retail, American Dream offers an array of entertainment options, including a water park, an indoor amusement park, a movie theater, and a skating rink. It's the ultimate destination for a day of shopping, dining, and fun.

• Unique feature: The DreamWorks Water Park, one of the largest indoor water parks in the world
• Target audience: Families, thrill-seekers, fashionistas
• Number of stores: 450+
• Annual foot traffic: 20 million+

2. The Mall at Short Hills: An Upscale Shopping Experience

Nestled in the affluent town of Short Hills, The Mall at Short Hills boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques, such as Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. With over 150 stores, it's a haven for discerning shoppers seeking high-end fashion, jewelry, and accessories.

• Unique feature: The mall's sophisticated atmosphere and elegant décor
• Target audience: Fashion enthusiasts, luxury seekers, affluent shoppers
• Number of stores: 150+
• Average store price point: $500+

3. Westfield Garden State Plaza: A Mega-Mall with Everything You Need

Spanning 2.2 million square feet, Westfield Garden State Plaza is the largest mall in New Jersey. It houses over 300 stores, offering a wide range of products from everyday essentials to designer goods. Anchor tenants include Macy's, Nordstrom, and JCPenney.

• Unique feature: The mall's sprawling outdoor plaza, featuring gardens, fountains, and live entertainment
• Target audience: Families, shoppers looking for variety, value-seekers
• Number of stores: 300+
• Average store size: 2,500 square feet

4. Menlo Park Mall: A Community-Oriented Destination

Menlo Park Mall is a 1.2 million-square-foot shopping center that caters to the everyday needs of the local community. It features a mix of national retailers (e.g., Macy's, Sears) and local shops, as well as a movie theater and a food court.

• Unique feature: The mall's strong community involvement and local events
• Target audience: Families, local shoppers, budget-conscious consumers
• Number of stores: 150+
• Average store price point: $250+

5. The Mills at Jersey Gardens: An Outlet Shopping Paradise

Located in Elizabeth, The Mills at Jersey Gardens is an outlet mall with over 200 stores offering discounts of up to 70% off regular retail prices. Shoppers can find everything from designer clothing to home goods at a fraction of the cost.

• Unique feature: The mall's convenient location near the Newark Airport
• Target audience: Bargain hunters, value-seekers, travelers
• Number of stores: 200+
• Average store discount: 50-70%

Your Questions Answered:

• Which mall is best for luxury shopping? The Mall at Short Hills
• Which mall offers the most entertainment options? American Dream Meadowlands
• Which mall is the largest in New Jersey? Westfield Garden State Plaza
• Which mall is the most affordable? Menlo Park Mall
• Which mall is the best for outlet shopping? The Mills at Jersey Gardens

Conclusion

New Jersey's malls cater to a wide range of shoppers, from high-end luxury seekers to bargain hunters and everyone in between. Whether you're looking for a day of retail therapy, entertainment, or simply everyday conveniences, you'll find it all at one of the many malls in the Garden State.