Discover The Mills at Jersey Gardens: New Jersey's Largest Indoor Outlet Mall

Overview

The Mills at Jersey Gardens, often just called Jersey Gardens, is a bustling two-level indoor outlet mall located in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Since opening its doors on October 21, 1999, it has proudly held the title of New Jersey’s largest outlet mall. Its location offers a convenient alternative to the more distant Woodbury Common, making it a popular shopping spot for those who live closer to New York City.

History and Ownership

Originally developed by Glimcher Realty Trust, Jersey Gardens was under their management until January 2015. That’s when Simon Property Group, having acquired Glimcher through its spinoff Washington Prime Group, took over. Simon, which already owns Woodbury Common and several other outlet malls, rebranded it as “The Mills at Jersey Gardens,” integrating it into their extensive “Mills” outlet portfolio.

Construction and Location

The mall has an interesting backstory—it was built on what used to be a landfill. Before the shopping center could be developed, extensive cleanup work was needed. In 1998, Glimcher Realty Trust unveiled plans for this 1.3 million-square-foot mall, highlighting its strategic location near the New Jersey Turnpike and its spot in an Urban Enterprise Zone. This designation offers shoppers a reduced sales tax rate of 3.5%, which was a significant draw for New Yorkers used to paying over 8% in sales tax. However, keep in mind that some items, like food and drink, are subject to an additional 3% Elizabeth City Franchise Fee.

Features and Accessibility

Located close to the Elizabeth Center and just a short drive from Newark Liberty International Airport, The Mills at Jersey Gardens is about 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. With its vast 1,292,611 square feet of space, it ranks among the largest shopping malls in New Jersey. Inside, you’ll find 230 stores and restaurants catering to a wide range of tastes and needs.

Getting there is easy, thanks to a dedicated exit from the New Jersey Turnpike that allows drivers to reach the mall directly without navigating through Elizabeth’s streets. The development of this overpass and ramps was no small feat; it cost $130 million, which was covered through property tax payments.

For those who prefer public transit, the NJ Transit 111 bus route connects Jersey Gardens to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, making it accessible whether you’re coming from the city or nearby areas.

Visiting Today

Unlike many indoor malls, Jersey Gardens is thriving: full of shoppers and with no noticeable vacancies, this is a great spot for folks who want the experience of a modern mall with none of the “dead mall” feel. Part of its success is no doubt because of its location and public transportation options; many failing malls are not as easily accessible for those who live in the city or don’t have a car. The interior architecture is clean and stylish although not particularly memorable, as the design eschews fancy central atriums or decorative features now considered by some to be outdated like fountains. Still, there are plenty of places to sit and relax, a wide variety of stores to peruse, and loads of food options if you need a snack. It’s nice to see a bustling mall, and the reduced sales tax means you might get a better bargain than you would elsewhere!