The American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is facing backlash for operating on Sundays, violating the centuries-old Bergen County blue laws that mandate most retailers close on Sundays.
The 3-million-square-foot mall, which opened in 2019, features a variety of attractions such as stores, restaurants, rides, waterslides, and a Ferris wheel.
Despite the law’s prohibition of Sunday sales of non-essential items like clothing and appliances, the mall has remained open every Sunday for over a year, which local officials say gives it an unfair advantage over other businesses in the county.
Bergen County officials, including County Executive Jim Tedesco, have pushed for enforcement of the blue laws, arguing that the mall’s actions are harmful to local businesses that comply with the restrictions.
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which owns the land, has refused to enforce the laws, stating that it doesn’t have the authority to do so.
Supporters of the blue laws argue that they help reduce traffic congestion on Sundays, although they are considered outdated by many retailers.
The issue highlights the ongoing tension between modern business practices and long-standing local regulations, with the American Dream mall’s owners, Triple 5, defending their Sunday operations as providing greater accessibility for shoppers.