Introduction to Freehold Raceway Mall
Freehold Raceway Mall, located in Freehold Township, New Jersey, has been a shopping staple since its opening in August 1990. It’s situated right off U.S. Route 9, making it easily accessible to residents across Central Jersey and beyond.
When it opened, the mall was a major draw for the area, offering over one million square feet of retail space. Anchored by popular stores like Sears and Lord & Taylor, it quickly became a favorite destination for shoppers in Monmouth County and the surrounding regions.
What sets Freehold Raceway Mall apart is its proximity to Freehold Raceway, one of the oldest harness racing tracks in the country, which dates back to the 1800s. This unique connection gives the mall its name and adds a layer of historical charm to its identity. The raceway, with its rich past, creates an interesting contrast with the modern, bustling mall right across the road.
Macerich, a major player in the commercial real estate world, owns and operates the mall today. In 2005, they acquired it from the original developers, Wilmorite, continuing its legacy as one of New Jersey’s largest shopping centers.
With over 1.6 million square feet of space, it remains a major retail destination in the state, drawing visitors from all over who are looking for things to do in New Jersey.
A History of Growth and Expansion
Freehold Raceway Mall has grown since its opening in 1990. One of the mall’s most notable upgrades came in 2007 when an outdoor lifestyle section was added. This 100,000-square-foot expansion featured high-end retailers, a more relaxed, open-air shopping environment, and new dining options.
It was the perfect way to attract shoppers who wanted a more upscale, leisurely experience. This addition of retail space included popular brands like Lululemon, bringing a new wave of customers to the mall.
With this expansion, Freehold Raceway Mall kept up with changing retail trends, especially with the shift towards lifestyle centers that combine retail, dining, and entertainment in one place.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Recovery
Like many malls across the country, Freehold Raceway Mall was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
With restrictions in place, foot traffic dropped drastically, and several stores were forced to close or even shut down for good temporarily.
Large department stores, which had been the mall’s cornerstones for decades, struggled to stay afloat. Sears, Nordstrom, and Lord & Taylor, longtime anchors, permanently closed their doors during this period, leaving behind a sizable vacant space.
However, Freehold Raceway Mall wasn’t down for long. As the pandemic began to ease, the mall took steps to recover and adapt to the new retail landscape.
Macerich, the company that manages the mall, is focused on attracting tenants who align with evolving consumer preferences—namely, experiential retail and dining options.
Retailers that survived the pandemic saw their customer base return, and in some cases, even grow, as more people became eager to shop in person again after months of lockdowns.
Seasonal hiring returned in 2023, with stores like Macy’s and Primark ramping up their recruitment for the holiday season.
This resurgence in employment is a key indicator that Freehold Raceway Mall is bouncing back and adjusting to new realities, where in-person experiences are becoming more of a draw than ever before.
Recent and Upcoming Developments
In 2023, Freehold Raceway Mall welcomed several new retailers. Notable additions include Cotton On Kids and Abercrombie & Fitch, expanding its range of popular clothing stores for different age groups.
Freehold Raceway Mall will undergo another round of transformation. New stores will open, and the mall will look to add more experiential retail options, which are all the rage right now.
New stores such as Lidl US and Dick’s House of Sport have been confirmed as part of the ongoing renovations, with plans to open through 2024 and 2025. These additions aim to attract a wider variety of shoppers and provide an enhanced shopping experience.
Dick’s House of Sport is one of the most anticipated openings these years. Located in the space that once housed Lord & Taylor, this new concept by Dick’s Sporting Goods is more than just a store.
It will feature interactive experiences, like a climbing wall, TrackMan golf simulators, and even a multi-sport cage where customers can try out equipment before making a purchase. It’s the first of its kind in New Jersey, giving Freehold Raceway Mall a cutting-edge retail offering.
But the upgrades don’t stop there. The mall will welcome Dave & Buster’s to its entertainment lineup.
This venue, taking over part of the former Sears space, will bring an arcade, a sports bar, and dining under one roof. It’s expected to become a hot spot for families and groups looking for fun, especially on weekends.
Additionally, the Freehold Athletic Club is set to open later this year. This new gym will feature pickleball courts, group fitness classes, a dedicated yoga studio, and even cryotherapy services.
It’s designed to attract health and wellness enthusiasts, making it much more than just another gym.
These additions reflect the mall’s strategy of focusing on experiences that go beyond traditional shopping, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s retail environment.
In a surprising and historic move, Freehold Raceway—located adjacent to the mall—announced its closure after nearly 200 years of operations.
The racetrack, a hallmark of the area’s history, will cease operations on December 28, 2024. Given the challenges facing the harness racing industry, this decision has been described as difficult but necessary.
