The Mall at Short Hills in Millburn, NJ: A New Jersey Icon

Early Beginnings and Development

The Mall at Short Hills, located in Millburn, New Jersey, began its journey in the mid-20th century, fueled by the rapid suburban expansion of the area. In 1949, Prudential Insurance Company of America purchased a large plot of land in Short Hills. That site would eventually house both the Mall at Short Hills and part of the Canoe Brook Country Club.

By 1956, the first seeds of retail development took shape. B. Altman & Company, a prominent department store at the time, opened a 130,000-square-foot space.

Over the years, as demand grew, the store added another 50,000 square feet. It became clear that the area had a hunger for upscale retail, and this expansion set the tone for what would follow.

In the early 1960s, the site saw its first open-air shopping center. Anchored by Bonwit Teller, it also featured beloved retailers like FAO Schwarz, Pottery Barn, and Brentano’s. These additions gave shoppers a diverse selection of high-end options.

Then, in 1967, Bloomingdale’s entered the scene, opening a 243,000-square-foot location. This store featured a full floor dedicated to furniture and decorative accessories, elevating the shopping experience for visitors.

Enclosure and Major Expansions

In 1974, the Prudential Insurance Company of America teamed up with The Taubman Company to take the shopping center to the next level. By this point, the demand for a more extensive retail experience was clear, and the two companies devised a plan to enclose the existing open-air mall.

The project was completed in 1980 after a two-year construction effort. This transformation gave The Mall at Short Hills a fully enclosed space with climate control, a more comfortable setting for shoppers.

The newly enclosed mall offered 1,160,000 square feet of leasable space, a significant boost from the previous setup. Three anchor stores, including Bloomingdale’s, were part of the layout. Over time, the mall attracted a wide range of new retailers.

By the early 1980s, names like Black Star and Frost, Godiva Chocolatier, The Limited, and Gap had joined the lineup, reflecting the mall’s growing popularity.

In 1981, the center added Abraham & Straus, another prominent department store, further diversifying its offerings. The demand for upscale retail continued to rise, paving the way for more expansion. By the 1990s, another major growth phase was underway.

In 1993, Saks Fifth Avenue arrived, bringing with it 100,000 square feet of new retail space. Bloomingdale’s underwent renovations during this period, while Abraham & Straus transitioned to Macy’s.

The next phase of the expansion wrapped up in August 1995. This brought in two major anchor stores: Neiman Marcus, which occupied 129,000 square feet, and Nordstrom, which covered 172,000 square feet.

New specialty stores like Tiffany & Co., Crate & Barrel, and DKNY joined the mix, solidifying the mall’s reputation as a premier shopping destination in the region.

Anchor Stores and Retail Evolution

The Mall at Short Hills continued to evolve in the 2000s and 2010s, adapting to changing retail trends. One of the most notable shifts occurred in 2016 when Saks Fifth Avenue closed its Short Hills location.

The decision was tied to the opening of a larger Saks store at American Dream Meadowlands, a massive entertainment and retail complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The space left by Saks did not remain empty for long. In October 2018, Indigo Books, a Canadian retailer, made its U.S. debut in part of the former Saks space.

This marked a new chapter for the mall, as it continued to attract unique and high-profile retailers. Around the same time, Crate & Barrel relocated to a different spot within the mall, further optimizing its layout.

One of the most innovative additions to the mall came with the introduction of Industrious, a pet-friendly co-working office space.

This move highlighted the mall’s willingness to experiment with mixed-use concepts, blending traditional retail with flexible workspaces. Such changes reflect broader industry trends, where shopping centers are evolving to offer more than just retail.

Through these shifts, The Mall at Short Hills has maintained a diverse array of anchor stores. Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom remain central to its appeal, drawing shoppers from across the region.

Each new addition, whether a store or a service, reflects the mall’s efforts to stay ahead in a competitive retail environment.

Architectural Design and Amenities

The mall’s layout includes multiple levels, giving it a dynamic feel. Anchor stores like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s extend up to four floors, while Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom span three levels.

These multi-level designs allow each store to offer a wider range of products and create a more immersive shopping experience.

Parking has always been an important consideration for the mall’s design. The property features a mix of surface lots and multi-level parking garages, accommodating the large number of visitors it attracts daily. These facilities are strategically placed to provide convenient access to various sections of the mall.

Public transit options add another layer of accessibility. NJ Transit Bus routes 70, and 873 connect the mall to surrounding areas, making it easy for those without a car to visit.

This blend of design and convenience has helped The Mall at Short Hills remain a top destination for shoppers in New Jersey.

The luxurious ambiance of the mall extends to its amenities. From fine dining options to high-end boutiques, the mall’s design ensures that every detail contributes to a premium shopping experience.

Even elements like seating areas and lighting have been carefully thought out to enhance the overall environment.

Recent Developments at The Mall at Short Hills

As of December 2024, The Mall at Short Hills continues to thrive. With over 150 specialty stores and restaurants, the mall offers a mix of high-end and mid-range options.

Luxury brands such as Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Dior, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton maintain their presence, drawing customers from across the region.

What sets the mall apart is its collection of exclusive boutiques. More than 40 stores at The Mall at Short Hills hold their only New Jersey locations here, making it a magnet for those seeking unique products and experiences. This exclusivity has helped the mall maintain its position as a retail leader.

New Store Openings

Eataly: In November 2024, Eataly, the renowned Italian marketplace, opened its first New Jersey location at The Mall at Short Hills. Spanning over 17,000 square feet, Eataly Short Hills features a 230-seat restaurant, quick-service counters, and a retail section offering imported Italian and regional delicacies.

BRITTO® Store: In November 2024, internationally acclaimed artist Romero Britto celebrated the grand opening of his first BRITTO® store in the Northeast. Located within the mall, the store showcases Britto’s vibrant art and merchandise, aiming to inspire happiness and optimism among visitors.

Gucci Boutique: In December 2024, Gucci reopened its renovated 12,000-square-foot boutique at The Mall at Short Hills. The updated store features a VIP lounge and offers a range of luxury items from the esteemed fashion house, enhancing the mall’s appeal to high-end shoppers.

Security Incident

Chanel Store Robbery: On June 10, 2024, a group of thieves targeted the Chanel store at The Mall at Short Hills. The perpetrators used a fire extinguisher to distract security personnel before stealing luxury handbags. This incident is part of a broader trend of quick, coordinated thefts at luxury shops in New Jersey.

Despite these challenges, The Mall at Short Hills continues to attract new retailers and maintain its status as a premier shopping destination in New Jersey.

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