These are the long-gone NJ mall stores we miss the most

Holiday shopping has been expected to reach near-record levels this year, as the National Retail Federation has forecast spending of between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion over November and December.

How much of that would be spent in-person remained to be seen, as the convenience of online shopping has become an unavoidable challenge for stores.

old Woodbridge Center mall (2015, Google Maps)

New Jersey's malls have seen lots of turnover, which started before the COVID-19 pandemic and drastically accelerated from there.

Deptford Mall (2017, Google Maps)

Adults from multiple generations — boomers on down to millennials — have fond memories of mall stores that are no longer an option, as seen in the roundup below.

These are the long-gone NJ mall stores we miss the most

With so many trends of the 1990's back in style, it's a great time to look back at a strong foundation of 80's and 90's culture — New Jersey mall shopping. Some stores were a highlight, every trip.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

Despite its difficult and delayed beginnings, American Dream was even recently named among the nation's best malls.

American Dream Mall (Photo Credit: American Dream)

NJ malls as a whole have found themselves navigating a rebirth, by offering a mix of entertainment venues, new stores and more interactive opportunities.

One annual such mall visit is photos with Santa, as planned at the following locations...

A list of NJ malls where you can get photos with Santa for the 2024 holiday season

The annual New Jersey tradition is back for the 2024 holiday season, along with pet photos, special events, exclusive sensory sessions, and more. Malls are listed in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

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