America’s largest Tommy Hilfiger store sits inside a mall that was built on top of an old landfill. That alone made me do a double take.
Then I learned the same building holds the only Disney Store Outlet in New Jersey.
The real headline is the receipt, though. Most everyday clothing and shoes in the state come with zero sales tax.
I like how that turns a simple jeans run into a small victory.
This place packs two indoor levels with outlets, a 20-screen movie theater, and a bowling alley with an arcade. It draws more than 18 million visitors every year.
I can’t imagine a better rainy-day plan near the airport.
So how do you tackle a mall this big without getting lost? And which stops deserve your time first?
Let’s walk through it together.
Your Sneakers Will Cost Exactly What The Tag Says
Zero percent. That’s the sales tax on most everyday clothing and footwear at The Mills at Jersey Gardens.
New Jersey exempts these items for human use, so your new sneakers ring up at the sticker price.
A few things still get taxed, so it helps to know the rules. Fur clothing falls outside the break.
Handbags, jewelry, and backpacks count as accessories and stay taxable.
Sports gear has its own fine print too. Cleats, wetsuits, and shin guards are treated as recreational equipment.
Protective gear not needed for daily work also gets taxed.
Here’s the sweet twist for many taxable items. The mall sits inside an Urban Enterprise Zone, where participating retailers can charge a reduced sales tax rate of 3.3125 percent on eligible purchases instead of the standard 6.625 percent.
That combo makes planning easy. Stock up on jackets, shirts, and shoes, where the savings feel biggest.
Then grab that handbag knowing you still pay less than in most nearby spots.
Shoppers from New York often make the trip for this exact reason. A full family wardrobe refresh adds up fast.
Skipping tax on every piece feels like a built-in discount before any sale even starts.
Bring Comfy Shoes, Because 200 Stores Is A Lot Of Ground
More than 200 stores and restaurants fill this place, which makes it New Jersey’s largest outlet mall. The headline says 170 plus, and honestly, that undersells it.
Some counts push the total closer to 230.
The big anchors set the tone. Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store brings the department store experience, while Burlington, Marshalls, and Primark add even more shopping options.
Burlington, Marshalls, and Primark keep things budget-friendly.
Brand fans have plenty to chase too. Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade New York, and Tory Burch all have outlets here.
Polo Ralph Lauren rounds out the polished side of the lineup.
Athletic shoppers get their own lane. Both the Nike Factory Store and Adidas Outlet Store call this mall home.
That makes comparing running shoes a lot easier than driving between towns.
A smart move is to pick your must-visit stores before you arrive. The layout loops around on two levels, so mapping a route saves your feet.
Directional signs help, but a plan helps more.
Give yourself a real chunk of the day. Rushing a mall this size is like speed-reading a dictionary.
You’ll technically finish, but you’ll miss the good parts.
The Biggest Tommy Hilfiger In America Lives Here
Bragging rights don’t usually come with an outlet mall. Yet The Mills at Jersey Gardens holds the largest Tommy Hilfiger store in America.
Preppy stripes fans, you have officially found your headquarters.
A few other stores make this mall feel one of a kind. It’s home to the only Disney Store Outlet in New Jersey.
That means character shirts and plush toys without crossing state lines.
Builders of all ages can swing by the LEGO Store too. Kids will treat it like a museum.
Adults will pretend they’re only browsing for the kids.
These unique stops are great for gift shopping. Picking up presents in one building beats bouncing around the Garden State all weekend.
And clothing gifts from Tommy or Disney often skip sales tax.
I like how these stores give the mall its own personality. Plenty of outlets carry the same brands.
Few can claim a national record or a statewide exclusive.
Plan your route so these special stores land early in your visit. You’ll have more energy and fuller hands for everything else.
Your shopping bags will thank you, even if your arms disagree.
A Landfill Turned Shopping Giant Has Quite The Backstory
Long before shoppers showed up, this land was a landfill. Crews needed extensive cleanup work before any building could rise.
Talk about a glow-up worthy of its own makeover show.
The mall opened on October 21, 1999. Glimcher Realty Trust developed the original project.
The Rockwell Group designed the interior with a clean, stylish look.
Big changes came later. Simon Property Group bought the mall in January 2015.
That’s when it took on the name The Mills at Jersey Gardens.
Renovation work rolled through a couple of phases. Updates happened between 2012 and 2013, then again from 2015 to 2018.
Those efforts helped refresh the shopping center for a new era.
The design keeps things simple on purpose. You won’t find giant fountains or grand central atriums.
Instead, each level forms an oval loop that keeps the focus on the stores.
That history makes a fun bit of trivia during your trip. Plenty of malls across the country have struggled in recent years.
This one keeps drawing more than 18 million visitors a year, which is quite the comeback story for a former dump.
Bowling, Karaoke, And IMAX All Wait Under One Roof
Not everyone in your group wants to shop for six hours. Luckily, The Mills at Jersey Gardens has a full entertainment side.
It makes a great escape hatch for tired shoppers.
Movie fans can head to the 20-screen AMC Theatres. It includes IMAX, so big action films look as huge as they should.
Catching a matinee between stores works as a sneaky rest break.
Round1 Bowling and Arcade adds even more choices. You can bowl a few frames, play arcade games, or shoot billiards.
There’s karaoke too, for anyone brave enough to sing about their haul.
This mix makes the mall a solid pick for families and friend groups. One person shops while another bowls.
Everyone meets up later with zero complaints, at least in theory.
It also solves the weather problem. The whole mall is indoors and climate-controlled.
Rain, snow, or sticky summer heat won’t ruin your plans.
Try saving the fun stuff for the end of the day. A movie or a bowling round feels like a reward after a long shopping loop.
Plus, your feet finally get to sit down.
Refuel With Pretzels, Burgers, Or A Real Sit-Down Meal
Shopping burns more energy than most people expect. Over 25 dining spots keep you fueled here.
The food court on the main level is the easiest place to start.
Classic mall favorites fill the counters. Johnny Rockets, Nathan’s Famous, Sbarro, and Popeyes all serve quick meals.
Burger King is there for anyone craving a familiar order.
Snack lovers get plenty of tempting stops. Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Cinnabon make it tough to walk by without stopping.
Dunkin’ Donuts covers your coffee break.
Need a slower pace? Sit-down restaurants include Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Ruby Tuesday.
These are great for resting tired legs and comparing what everyone bought.
Timing your meal can help a lot. Eating a little before or after the typical lunch rush often means easier seating.
Then you can head back out with fresh energy.
I believe a good snack plan is half the secret to a great outlet day. A warm pretzel mid-afternoon can rescue the grumpiest shopper.
Consider it a small investment in family peace.
Little Perks Make A Huge Mall Feel Manageable
Strollers, Wi-Fi, and free parking sound boring until you really need them. The Mills at Jersey Gardens offers all three.
These small extras make a long day much smoother.
Families will appreciate the thoughtful touches. Stroller rentals are available for a small fee.
Baby-changing stations sit in all public restrooms.
Comfortable resting spots are spread throughout the mall. That matters in a building this big.
Sometimes you just need a bench and five quiet minutes.
Bargain hunters should stop by the Guest Services Booth. You can buy a coupon book there for extra savings.
Stack those deals on top of outlet prices and tax-free clothing, and things get exciting.
Traveling with a big group? A VIP Welcome Service is available with pre-registration.
It’s handy for tour groups or large family outings.
The mall is also wheelchair accessible, with elevators to reach both levels. Free parking surrounds the building, including spaces near the entrances.
Weekends can fill up fast, so arriving early gives you better odds at a close spot.
Five Minutes From The Airport Is Seriously Handy
Planes flying overhead are your first clue. The mall sits just five minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Midtown Manhattan is roughly 30 minutes away.
Drivers get a sweet shortcut. A dedicated exit from the New Jersey Turnpike, Interchange 13A, leads straight to the mall.
That helps you skip a lot of local traffic.
Plug 651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 into your GPS. It’s an easy target from almost anywhere in North Jersey.
Just remember that turnpike tolls apply.
No car? No problem.
NJ Transit buses on routes 24, 40, 111, and 115 connect the mall with New York City and nearby towns.
Travelers arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport should check current transportation options before heading to the mall. NJ Transit serves Jersey Gardens, and checking the latest routes and connections can make the trip easier.
This location makes the mall a natural stop for visitors to New Jersey. Some arrive with empty suitcases on purpose.
Leaving room for new clothes is a pro move worth borrowing.
Timing Your Trip Right Pays Off Big
Hours matter more than you might think at a mall this popular. The Mills at Jersey Gardens opens at 10 a.m.
Monday through Saturday and closes at 9 p.m. Sundays run shorter, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Morning visits give you the most breathing room. Stores feel calmer right after opening.
You can try things on without waiting as long.
Weekends bring more energy and more cars. Saturdays especially can make parking a bit of a hunt.
Weekdays usually feel more relaxed.
Holiday sales are a whole different sport. Black Friday traffic near the mall can get intense.
If you go, leave early and pack extra patience.
Sunday’s shorter schedule is easy to forget. Plan accordingly so you’re not sprinting to checkout at closing time.
Nobody wants to abandon a perfect jacket at the register.
With smart timing, this New Jersey favorite becomes a fun day out instead of a marathon. Pick your stores, pace your snacks, and save the movie for last.
That tax-free receipt will feel even better when you’re not exhausted.
