New Jersey, often known for its strategic location near New York and stunning coastline, is also a shopping paradise with numerous world-class malls. From luxurious shopping complexes to attractive discount outlet centers, New Jersey offers a diverse shopping experience, catering to all tastes and budgets. If you are a shopaholic or simply want to explore interesting destinations, the largest shopping malls in New Jersey will certainly not disappoint.
Discover the Shopping Paradise in New Jersey
New Jersey is not only a vibrant urban state but also an ideal shopping destination with a blend of indoor, outdoor, and outlet malls. This diversity creates a rich shopping landscape, attracting visitors from all over the world. Below is a list of the largest and most famous shopping malls in New Jersey, where you can indulge in shopping, entertainment, and enjoy unique culinary experiences.
1. Garden State Plaza – Paramus
Garden State Plaza, located in Paramus, is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping malls not only in New Jersey but also in the entire United States. With a massive retail space of over 2 million square feet (approximately 186,000 square meters), this center is home to more than 300 stores, from high-end fashion brands to popular budget-friendly labels.
At Garden State Plaza, you can find everything from clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, household goods to electronics and furniture. This center is home to major department stores such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s, along with a host of world-renowned brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Apple, Microsoft, and many more.
Exterior view of Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey
Garden State Plaza is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping malls in New Jersey.
More than just a shopping destination, Garden State Plaza is also an attractive entertainment and dining center. The center has a diverse food court with many restaurants and cafes serving dishes from around the world. In addition, Garden State Plaza also features a modern cinema, a children’s play area, and frequently hosts special events, providing a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience for all ages.
Highlights:
- Area: Over 2 million square feet
- Number of stores: Over 300
- Famous brands: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Apple, Microsoft
- Amenities: Diverse food court, cinema, children’s play area, special events
- Address: One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
2. American Dream – East Rutherford
American Dream, located in East Rutherford, is a unique entertainment and shopping complex and the largest in North America. With an area of over 3 million square feet (approximately 279,000 square meters), American Dream is not just a shopping mall but also a world-class entertainment destination, offering unique and unforgettable experiences.
The shopping area at American Dream includes separate zones such as The Avenue and Luxury Court, which focus on high-end fashion, accessories, and jewelry brands. In addition, the center also has many popular retail stores and outlet stores, meeting the diverse shopping needs of customers.
Exterior view of American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, showcasing its unique architecture and attractions
American Dream is the largest entertainment and shopping complex in North America.
The most special feature of American Dream is its unique combination of shopping and entertainment. Here, you can find the largest indoor water park in North America – DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe theme park, an indoor ice-skating rink, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center, and many other attractions. American Dream is truly an ideal destination for the whole family, where everyone can have fun, be entertained, and shop all day long without getting bored.
Highlights:
- Area: Over 3 million square feet
- Unique combination: Shopping, entertainment, dining
- Featured entertainment: DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center
- Shopping areas: The Avenue (high-end brands), Luxury Court, outlet area
- Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
3. The Mills at Jersey Gardens – Elizabeth
The Mills at Jersey Gardens, located in Elizabeth, is the largest outlet center in New Jersey and a favorite shopping destination for many locals and tourists. With over 200 outlet and discount stores, this center offers the opportunity to shop for designer brands at affordable prices.
At The Mills at Jersey Gardens, you can find famous fashion, shoe, accessory, sportswear, and home goods brands at deeply discounted prices year-round. Popular outlet stores include Saks Off 5th, Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdale’s Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Adidas Outlet, Gap Outlet, Old Navy Outlet, and many other brands.
Exterior entrance of The Mills at Jersey Gardens outlet mall in Elizabeth, New Jersey
The Mills at Jersey Gardens is the largest outlet center in New Jersey.
In addition to shopping, The Mills at Jersey Gardens also has a food court with many dining options from fast food restaurants to cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine. The center also has an AMC cinema and a children’s play area, making it an ideal shopping and entertainment destination for the whole family.
Highlights:
- Type: Outlet center
- Number of stores: Over 200 outlet and discount stores
- Famous outlet brands: Saks Off 5th, Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdale’s Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Adidas Outlet, Gap Outlet, Old Navy Outlet
- Amenities: Food court, AMC cinema, children’s play area
- Address: 651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
4. Menlo Park Mall – Edison
Menlo Park Mall, located in Edison, is a high-end shopping mall with over 120 stores and restaurants. This center offers a luxurious and comfortable shopping experience with spacious areas, modern design, and many high-end amenities.
Menlo Park Mall is home to major department stores such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s, along with famous fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, and home goods brands. Here, you can find brands like Apple, Sephora, Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, and many other popular brands.
Interior view of Menlo Park Mall in Edison, New Jersey, showcasing its upscale ambiance and storefronts
Menlo Park Mall offers a luxurious and comfortable shopping experience.
Menlo Park Mall not only focuses on shopping but also cares about the customer experience. The center has a diverse food court with many dining options, from fine dining restaurants to cafes and fast food counters. In addition, Menlo Park Mall also has an AMC cinema and a children’s play area, meeting the entertainment needs of every family member.
Highlights:
- Type: High-end shopping mall
- Number of stores: Over 120
- Famous brands: Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Apple, Sephora, Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade
- Amenities: Diverse food court, AMC cinema, children’s play area
- Address: 70 Menlo Park Mall, Edison, NJ 08837
5. Willowbrook Mall – Wayne
Willowbrook Mall, located in Wayne, is another large shopping mall in New Jersey with over 150 stores and restaurants. This center is a popular shopping destination for locals and tourists thanks to its diversity of stores, amenities, and entertainment activities.
At Willowbrook Mall, you can find major department stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Lord & Taylor (now Primark), along with many popular fashion, shoe, accessory, cosmetic, and home goods brands. The center has a mix of high-end and budget-friendly labels, catering to the shopping needs of many customer segments.
Interior walkway of Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, New Jersey, showing a variety of stores and shoppers
Willowbrook Mall is a popular shopping destination with a variety of stores and amenities.
Willowbrook Mall is not just a shopping destination but also a community center with many events and activities organized regularly. The center has a food court with many dining options, a Cinemark cinema, and a children’s play area, creating a fun shopping and entertainment space for the whole family.
Highlights:
- Type: Diverse shopping mall
- Number of stores: Over 150
- Famous brands: Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Primark (formerly Lord & Taylor)
- Amenities: Diverse food court, Cinemark cinema, children’s play area, community events
- Address: 3 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne, NJ 07470
Shopping Tips at New Jersey Malls
To have the best shopping experience at the large shopping malls in New Jersey, keep in mind the following tips:
- Plan ahead: Identify in advance the stores or brands you want to visit to save time and avoid missing attractive deals.
- Go on weekdays: Malls are usually crowded on weekends and holidays. If possible, go shopping on weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more comfortable shopping space.
- Take advantage of promotions: Follow the websites and social media of malls and stores to update information on promotions, discounts, and special events.
- Sign up for membership cards: If you shop frequently at a specific mall, sign up for a membership card to receive exclusive offers, reward points, and gifts.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Large shopping malls are often very spacious, and you will have to walk a lot. Choose a comfortable pair of shoes to avoid foot fatigue during shopping.
- Enjoy dining and entertainment: Don’t forget to enjoy the dining and entertainment amenities at the malls. Stop by a restaurant or cafe to recharge and relax after shopping.
Conclusion
New Jersey is a great shopping destination with world-class shopping malls, meeting all customer needs and preferences. From luxurious Garden State Plaza, unique American Dream, affordable outlet The Mills at Jersey Gardens, high-end Menlo Park Mall to diverse Willowbrook Mall, each center offers unique shopping and entertainment experiences.
Whether you are a local or a tourist, exploring the largest shopping malls in New Jersey will surely be an interesting and memorable experience. Plan your shopping trip today and enjoy attractive offers, modern shopping spaces, and great entertainment amenities at the New Jersey shopping paradise.