From Landfill to Shopping Hub: The Origins of The Mills at Jersey Gardens
The ground where The Mills at Jersey Gardens now stands wasn’t always a prime retail destination.
Before the grand opening in 1999, the site was a landfill, a stretch of land that needed more than just a few cosmetic changes before it could support a massive shopping complex.
Developers had to clean up the space and ensure it was safe for construction before laying the foundation for what would become New Jersey’s largest outlet mall.
By 1998, Glimcher Realty Trust had a clear vision: a 1.3-million-square-foot outlet mall with direct access to the New Jersey Turnpike.
The location was no accident. Just a short drive from Midtown Manhattan and sitting within an Urban Enterprise Zone, the project promised to draw shoppers from both sides of the Hudson.
That meant New York residents—accustomed to paying over 8.5% in sales tax—could shop here at a reduced 3.5% rate.
A lower tax meant an easy pitch: why pay full price in the city when you could take a short ride across the river and save?
On October 21, 1999, The Mills at Jersey Gardens officially opened its doors. From day one, the mall stood out from other shopping centers in the region.
Unlike sprawling outdoor outlet centers such as Woodbury Common, this was a fully enclosed, two-level mall—offering a controlled shopping environment protected from New Jersey’s unpredictable weather.
The early years were a success, drawing steady crowds eager to shop top brands at discount prices.
The mall’s developers agreed to cover the bond payments through property taxes to fund the $130 million needed for the overpass and ramps.
Public transit also played a role. NJ Transit’s 111 bus route created an easy link between the mall and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, further strengthening its appeal as a destination for city dwellers looking for deals.
A Change in Ownership: New Hands, New Direction
In 2015, Glimcher Realty Trust, the mall’s longtime owner, handed it over to Simon Property Group.
With the takeover, the outlet center became part of a retail empire, setting the stage for new strategies and growth.
The acquisition wasn’t just about Jersey Gardens. Simon Property Group, through its spinoff Washington Prime Group, acquired Glimcher Realty Trust in a deal valued at $1.09 billion.
As part of the agreement, Simon took over two key assets: The Mills at Jersey Gardens and University Park Village in Texas.
Jersey Gardens became part of Simon’s larger “Mills” brand, a collection of indoor outlet malls across the U.S.
The new owners wasted no time. First, they rebranded the mall as “The Mills at Jersey Gardens,” linking it to their other outlet centers.
Then came bigger changes—new leasing strategies and aggressive marketing aimed at drawing both local shoppers and international visitors.
Simon’s interest in The Mills at Jersey Gardens made sense. The company already owned Woodbury Common, an outdoor outlet center in Central Valley, New York.
With Jersey Gardens under its umbrella, Simon controlled two of the biggest discount shopping destinations in the region—one an outdoor complex known for luxury brands, the other an indoor hub offering variety at tax-reduced prices.
Together, they formed a retail network that drew millions of shoppers annually.
Retail Growth and Accessibility: A Destination for Shoppers
The Mills at Jersey Gardens wasn’t your average mall. Its massive size, prime location, and variety of stores set it apart.
With about 200 shops, it had everything from high-end designers to budget-friendly brands, making it a go-to spot for all kinds of shoppers.
Unlike some outlet centers that focus heavily on either high-end or mid-tier brands, Jersey Gardens blended both.
Saks OFF 5TH, Coach and Michael Kors sat alongside Burlington, Marshalls, and Primark.
Shoppers looking for sportswear had options like Adidas, Nike, and Puma. Discount retailers, designer fashion houses, and specialty stores coexisted under one roof, creating a retail mix that attracted a wide range of customers.
Anchors That Drive Foot Traffic
The Mills at Jersey Gardens relies on a strong mix of anchor stores spread across both levels, pulling in shoppers with discounts on everything from fashion to home goods.
On the first level, Burlington, Marshalls, and Saks OFF 5TH offer a steady flow of bargain hunters looking for brand-name deals.
Camille La Vie caters to shoppers searching for formalwear, while Old Navy Outlet and NIKE Factory Store attract families and sportswear fans.
Pottery Barn Outlet rounds out the lineup with home furnishings at reduced prices.
Upstairs, fashion takes center stage. Forever 21 and Primark attract younger crowds, while Cohoes and Bloomingdale’s—The Outlet Store—focus on designer finds at lower prices.
Columbia Factory Store and Gap Factory appeal to those looking for outdoor gear and casual basics, adding to the mall’s broad retail mix.
Retail Shifts and Market Adaptation
The Mills at Jersey Gardens has gone through plenty of changes. Some stores expanded, while others closed as shopping habits shifted and financial pressures hit.
Retail turnover has been a constant, but the mall keeps evolving, bringing in new brands and adjusting to what shoppers want.
Century 21, a staple at the mall for years, closed in October 2020 after filing for bankruptcy.
Known for discount luxury, it was a go-to spot for shoppers hunting designer brands at lower prices.
Its shutdown left a gap in the outlet’s high-end bargain scene.
Justice, a retailer targeting pre-teen girls, also closed all of its locations in New Jersey around the same time, including its store at The Mills at Jersey Gardens.
These closures reflected broader trends in brick-and-mortar retail—many brands struggled with declining in-person shopping and the rise of e-commerce.
While some stores left, others moved in. Primark, the Irish fast-fashion retailer, opened a location at The Mills at Jersey Gardens in 2023, marking another step in its U.S. expansion.
Tory Burch followed the same year, launching its first outlet store in New Jersey.
Zero sales tax on shoes and clothing continues to be a draw, keeping The Mills at Jersey Gardens competitive against other shopping destinations, including Woodbury Common.
Entertainment and Dining Expansion
Shopping alone isn’t always enough to keep visitors coming back.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens has worked to offer more than retail, investing in entertainment and food options that encourage people to spend more time—and money—inside the mall.
AMC Theatres and Leisure Offerings
The on-site AMC 20 movie theater remains a fixture, offering IMAX screenings and a lineup of major film releases.
As one of the only large theaters in the area, it brings in customers who might not otherwise visit the mall.
New Entertainment Options on the Way
In 2025, Round 1 Bowling & Arcade is set to open in the space formerly occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond.
The entertainment venue will bring bowling, arcade games, and karaoke to the mall, adding a new reason for visitors to stay beyond shopping and dining.
Dining and Food Court Variety
The food court, located on the upper level near Johnny Rockets, features quick-service options like Sbarro, Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
Restaurants such as Johnny Rockets, Chili’s, and Applebee’s offer full-service dining for a sit-down experience.
These establishments offer a range of cuisines to cater to diverse tastes, ensuring that visitors have ample choices to refuel during their shopping excursions.
With retail, entertainment, and dining all in one location, The Mills at Jersey Gardens remains a multi-purpose destination, giving shoppers reasons to visit beyond just hunting for deals.