The Birth of Cherry Hill Mall
Cherry Hill Mall, located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, opened its doors on October 11, 1961. Developed by The Rouse Company and designed by the famous architect Victor Gruen, this indoor shopping center marked a new era in retail design. It was one of the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled malls east of the Mississippi River—a bold concept for the time.
When it opened, Cherry Hill Mall was the largest mall in the country. It stretched over 1.2 million square feet and cost $30 million to build, which would be over $300 million in today’s dollars.
The mall boasted around 90 stores, including major anchors like Bamberger’s (which later became Macy’s), alongside other recognizable names such as Woolworth’s and Kresge’s.
Shoppers could also catch a movie in the on-site theater, stroll past fountains and tropical plants, and even enjoy the company of exotic birds, adding a touch of flair to the whole experience.
The land where the mall stands today once belonged to the George Jaus farm, a 16-acre plot that was transformed into a shopping mecca.
This transformation played a role in the naming of Cherry Hill Township itself, which officially adopted the name in 1962, just a year after the mall opened.
The area’s history and development are closely tied to the mall’s presence. Today, “things to do in Cherry Hill, NJ” often still include visiting this iconic mall, showing how much it continues to shape the community more than 60 years later.
Expansion and Evolution in the 1970s-1990s
The 1970s through the 1990s brought a wave of changes to Cherry Hill Mall, reshaping its structure and identity as it adapted to new trends.
In 1973, the mall expanded with the addition of a nine-story office tower, reflecting the growing importance of suburban commercial centers.
By 1977, Cherry Hill Mall had another major expansion, this time with a brand-new wing anchored by JCPenney. This addition followed the closure and demolition of the Pantry Pride grocery store and the Market Court, making way for fresh retail opportunities.
The 1990s were all about rebranding and modernizing the mall’s look. Cherry Hill Mall underwent a full remodel during this period, with the focus shifting towards attracting a more upscale clientele.
The center got a fresh coat of paint—teal and gray were chosen as the new color scheme—and skylights were installed to bring more natural light into the mall’s interior.
Changes to the layout and aesthetics also included replacing the iconic Strawbridge & Clothier grand staircase with a simpler escalator and stairs combination. This was an era when malls across the country were rethinking their designs, and Cherry Hill Mall was no exception.
During these years, the mall’s retail offerings began to diversify. Two distinct sections emerged by the late 1990s. The wing near Macy’s started to feature higher-end stores like Banana Republic and Victoria’s Secret.
In contrast, the JCPenney wing became home to more accessible retailers such as General Nutrition Centers and stores catering to urban fashion trends. This split in offerings helped Cherry Hill Mall cater to a wider audience, balancing between luxury and everyday shopping needs.
The PREIT Era and Modernization (2003-2009)
In 2003, Cherry Hill Mall entered a new chapter when the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) acquired the property. With this change in ownership came a renewed focus on revamping the mall to keep up with modern retail trends.
PREIT took bold steps to rejuvenate the mall, embarking on a massive $220 million renovation project from 2007 to 2009.
This project wasn’t just about fresh paint and flooring—it involved structural changes and new attractions that completely transformed the shopping experience.
One of the most notable changes during this period was the demolition of Strawbridge’s, one of the original anchor stores. In its place, PREIT introduced a brand-new Grand Court and a 138,000-square-foot Nordstrom, which opened its doors in March 2009.
The addition of Nordstrom marked Cherry Hill Mall’s commitment to providing upscale retail options. PREIT also expanded the mall by adding 228,000 square feet of new retail space, including luxury stores and a more modern layout.
Bistro Row became another highlight of the renovation, bringing a range of exterior-facing restaurants to the mall. This new dining section offered visitors a place to dine and socialize, creating a more complete shopping and entertainment experience.
Popular retailers like H&M also joined the lineup, with a large storefront facing Route 38, further enhancing the mall’s visibility and appeal to passersby.
The food court was moved and reimagined, shifting closer to the JCPenney wing and featuring more compact yet carefully selected eateries.
As part of this modernization, PREIT also revamped the parking situation, constructing a three-story garage to accommodate more shoppers.
With its sleek, contemporary marble-and-wood finishes and the addition of high-end stores, the revamped Cherry Hill Mall took on a new identity—one that rivaled regional competitors like the King of Prussia Mall.
The Mall Today and Looking Ahead
As of 2024, Cherry Hill Mall remains one of the largest shopping centers in New Jersey, boasting over 1.3 million square feet of retail space.
Anchored by major players like Macy’s, JCPenney, and Nordstrom, the mall continues to serve as a central hub for retail in the region.
Despite the growing presence of online retail, Cherry Hill Mall has maintained its appeal by offering a blend of luxury brands and everyday shopping options.
With over 60 years of history, Cherry Hill Mall continues to evolve. While the future of traditional malls remains uncertain in the digital age, this retail center has shown an ability to adapt to changing times and trends.
Its combination of high-end stores, practical retailers, and dining experiences positions it to remain an important part of the Cherry Hill, NJ community for years to come.
Cherry Hill Mall continues to expand its retail offerings, with several new stores set to open in late 2024 and beyond, bringing fresh shopping experiences to visitors.
A big highlight for Winter 2024 will be the opening of Alo Yoga, a well-loved brand that focuses on mindfulness and wellness through its stylish activewear and yoga-inspired products.
Looking ahead to Spring 2025, Rowan will introduce its modern ear-piercing services to the mall. Specializing in safe, professional ear piercings, Rowan caters to style-conscious customers—especially teenagers and young adults.
With a focus on both safety and style, Rowan’s addition to Cherry Hill Mall will provide a much-needed niche service, offering a unique combination of trendsetting fashion and healthcare expertise in the beauty space.
Several other stores have also recently opened or are on the way. Kendra Scott and Lids are now open, bringing trendy jewelry and custom headwear options to shoppers.
As the holiday season approaches, Columbia Sportswear will arrive, perfect for those looking to gear up for outdoor adventures. Winter 2024 will also see the arrival of Lacoste, known for its timeless polo shirts and upscale casualwear.
Meanwhile, JD Sports, a leader in athletic and streetwear, will soon open its doors alongside Signature Workspace, which will offer flexible office solutions for professionals.
Together, these new additions will enhance Cherry Hill Mall’s shopping and lifestyle options, continuing its tradition of staying current and appealing to a diverse customer base.