If you love to shop, you already know that Bergen County NJ malls are in a league of their own. Bergen County is home to more retail square footage per capita than almost any other county in the country, and for good reason — the combination of major indoor malls, outlet centers, and walkable downtown shopping districts gives residents a shopping experience that rivals any metro area. Whether you’re a long-time local or you’re relocating to the area, this guide covers everything you need to know about shopping in Bergen County, including the malls, what sets each one apart, and the local quirk you absolutely need to know before you go.
Bergen County enforces Blue Laws — which means most major retail stores in Paramus are closed on Sundays. Yes, all of them. Garden State Plaza, Bergen Town Center, Paramus Park Mall — closed. This isn’t an accident or a one-off. It’s a long-standing local ordinance, and it catches out-of-towners by surprise every single weekend. Additionally, plan accordingly: if you’re heading to Paramus, go Monday through Saturday. For Sunday shopping, head to Hackensack, East Rutherford, or cross into Rockland County, NY. Knowing this Blue Laws rule is the first step to shopping the Bergen County, NJ malls like a local.
Here’s a rundown of the major malls — both in Bergen County and within easy reach — so you can plan your shopping days like a true local.
Garden State Plaza is the undisputed anchor of Bergen County retail. With over 300 stores spread across more than 2 million square feet, it’s one of the largest malls in New Jersey and consistently ranks among the top-earning malls in the entire country. You’ll find everything from Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom on the luxury end to H&M, Uniqlo, and Gap for everyday shopping. There’s also an AMC IMAX theater, making it a full day out for families. Hours: Monday–Saturday 10AM–9PM. Closed Sundays.
- Address: 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Best for: All-around shopping, luxury brands, family outings
- Don’t miss: The Neiman Marcus wing for luxury, or the food hall for a lunch break
2. Bergen Town Center — Paramus
Bergen Town Center is a different beast — part outlet mall, part everyday shopping hub. Anchored by Target, Whole Foods, Nordstrom Rack, and Saks OFF 5TH, it’s the place locals go when they want practical errands done alongside a bargain hunt. Best Buy and Lowe’s are also on-site, making it one of the most functional shopping destinations in the county. The walking path between Target and Marshalls is literally a quarter mile — which the mall officially promotes as a fitness walk. Only in Bergen County. Hours: Monday–Saturday 10AM–8PM. Closed Sundays.
- Address: Route 4 East & Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Best for: Outlet shopping, everyday errands, Whole Foods run
- Don’t miss: Nordstrom Rack and Saks OFF 5TH for designer discounts
3. The Shops at Riverside — Hackensack
Hackensack River, this is Bergen County’s premier luxury shopping destination, with over 70 high-end retailers including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Tiffany & Co., and Salvatore Ferragamo. What makes Riverside especially worth a visit is “Restaurant Row” — a stretch of full-service dining that includes Morton’s Steakhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, and Maggiano’s Little Italy, among others. There’s also a full-service spa on-site. Hours: Monday–Saturday 10AM–9PM, Sunday 11AM–6PM.
- Address: 390 Hackensack Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- Best for: Luxury brands, date nights, Sunday shopping
- Don’t miss: Restaurant Row for a pre- or post-shopping dinner
4. Paramus Park Mall — Paramus
Paramus Park is the quieter sibling of Garden State Plaza, just a short drive north on Route 17. With over 100 stores and a noticeably lighter crowd than its neighbors, it’s the go-to for residents who want a classic, no-fuss mall experience without the weekend traffic. Anchor stores include Macy’s, and you’ll find familiar brands like Gap, H&M, Old Navy, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Locals love it for the easier parking and faster in-and-out shopping. Hours: Monday–Saturday 10AM–9PM. Closed Sundays.
- Address: 700 Paramus Park, Route 17 North, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Best for: Relaxed shopping, families, quick errands
- Don’t miss: Far easier to park and navigate than GSP on a Saturday
5. American Dream — East Rutherford (Just Outside Bergen County)
American Dream sits just over the Bergen County border in East Rutherford, and it’s unlike anything else in the region. The retail is solid — with over 450 stores across multiple levels — but what sets American Dream apart is the entertainment. The indoor ski slope (Big Snow) is covered with real snow year-round. There’s also an indoor water park, an NHL-regulation ice rink, a miniature golf course, and a full Nickelodeon Universe theme park inside the building. It’s a full-day family destination that happens to also have great shopping. Hours: Vary by section; check americandream.com for current hours. Open Sundays.
- Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
- Best for: Family entertainment, unique experiences, Sunday shopping
- Don’t miss: The Big Snow indoor ski slope is genuinely one-of-a-kind
Worth the Short Drive: Nearby Malls Just Beyond Bergen County
A few shopping destinations outside Bergen County are close enough to be part of any local’s rotation — and they’re as much a part of the Bergen County NJ malls conversation as anything in Paramus.
Palisades Center — West Nyack, NY (~20 Minutes North)
One of the largest malls in the United States by square footage, Palisades Center is a four-story behemoth with over 200 stores, an indoor roller coaster, a bowling alley, and a movie theater. It’s just across the New York border in Rockland County — no sales tax on clothing purchases in New York, which is a bonus Bergen County shoppers know well. Open on Sundays.
Shops at Nanuet — Nanuet, NY (~20 Minutes North)
A modern outdoor lifestyle center in Rockland County with a curated mix of fashion-forward retailers, specialty shops, and dining. More walkable and open-air than a traditional enclosed mall, this one’s worth adding to a Rockland County shopping day. Also open on Sundays.
The Mall at Short Hills — Short Hills, NJ (~30 Minutes South)
If Riverside is Bergen County’s luxury mall, Short Hills is New Jersey’s. The Mall at Short Hills in Essex County is widely considered the premier luxury shopping destination in the entire state, anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue, with 150+ specialty stores including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier — several of which are their only New Jersey locations. It’s a notch above Riverside in terms of sheer luxury density, and about 30 minutes from most of Bergen County. No Blue Laws in Essex County, so it’s open seven days a week. Hours: Mon–Sat 10AM–8PM, Sun 11AM–6PM.
- Address: 1200 Morris Tpke, Short Hills, NJ 07078
- Best for: Serious luxury shopping, special-occasion splurges, NJ-exclusive boutiques
- Don’t miss: NJ’s only Cartier and Chanel boutiques are both here
The Mills at Jersey Gardens — Elizabeth, NJ (~30 Minutes South)
Jersey Gardens is the outlet mall in NJ. Located right off the NJ Turnpike at Exit 13A — minutes from Newark Airport — it’s the largest outlet mall in New Jersey with over 200 stores, and it draws 18 million shoppers a year. The lineup includes Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Saks OFF 5TH, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Coach, Kate Spade, Nike, Tory Burch, and the largest Tommy Hilfiger store in the country. Critically: no sales tax on clothing or shoes in NJ, which makes the outlet prices here genuinely hard to beat. There’s also a 20-screen AMC IMAX theater on-site. Open Sundays. Hours: Mon–Sat 10AM–9PM, Sun 11AM–7PM.
- Address: 651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 (NJ Turnpike Exit 13A)
- Best for: Outlet deals, tax-free clothing and shoes, a full day of shopping
- Don’t miss: The largest Tommy Hilfiger store in the U.S., plus the AMC IMAX theater
Willowbrook Mall — Wayne, NJ (~20 Minutes West)
Willowbrook in Passaic County is a solid, easy-to-navigate two-level mall with over 170 stores and dining options — anchored by Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and a full Apple Store. It’s less of a destination mall and more of a reliable workhorse: convenient, well-stocked, and far less crowded than anything in Paramus on a Saturday. For Bergen County residents in northern or western towns like Wyckoff, Midland Park, or Waldwick, Willowbrook is often closer and easier than driving to GSP. Open seven days a week. Hours: Mon–Thu 11AM–8PM, Fri–Sat 11AM–9PM, Sun 11AM–7PM.
- Address: 1400 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne, NJ 07470
- Best for: Convenient everyday shopping, northern Bergen County residents, Sunday trips
- Don’t miss: Bloomingdale’s and a full Apple Store with far shorter wait times than GSP
Shopping Access and Bergen County Real Estate
Proximity to great shopping is one of the most consistent factors Bergen County homebuyers mention when touring towns. Living within a short drive of Bergen County NJ malls like Garden State Plaza and Riverside is genuinely part of the lifestyle pitch — and it’s reflected in property values in towns like Paramus, Hackensack, and Woodcliff Lake. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Bergen County, understanding the lifestyle advantages of each town is part of the equation.
Thinking about what your Bergen County home is worth? Get a free home valuation from Michael Guarriello — he’s been helping Bergen County homeowners understand their market value for years.
You might also enjoy our guide to the best diners in Bergen County and the full list of family-friendly activities in Bergen County to help you get the most out of living here
Frequently Asked Questions About Bergen County, NJ Malls
Are Bergen County malls closed on Sundays?
The major malls in Paramus — Garden State Plaza, Bergen Town Center, and Paramus Park — are closed on Sundays due to Bergen County’s Blue Laws. However, The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack and American Dream in East Rutherford are open on Sundays, as are most destinations outside of Paramus. It’s one of the most important things to know when planning a trip to Bergen County NJ malls.
What is the biggest mall in Bergen County?
Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus is the largest mall in Bergen County and one of the largest in New Jersey, with over 300 stores across more than 2 million square feet.
Is American Dream in Bergen County?
Technically, no — the American Dream is in East Rutherford, which is in Hudson County. However, it’s just minutes from the Bergen County border and is a regular destination for Bergen County residents, especially on Sundays.
Where should I go for luxury shopping in Bergen County?
The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack is Bergen County’s premier luxury shopping destination, home to Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Salvatore Ferragamo, along with multiple fine dining restaurants and a full-service spa. For luxury, The Shops at Riverside is the standout among Bergen County NJ malls.
Can I shop on Sundays in Bergen County?
Yes, but not in Paramus. Head to The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack or American Dream in East Rutherford for Sunday shopping. Alternatively, Palisades Center and Shops at Nanuet in nearby Rockland County, NY are open seven days a week.
