New Jersey's American Dream mega-mall has become a nightmare for local officials by flouting Bergen's centuries-old “blue law” that requires most retailers to close on Sundays.
The 3 million-square-foot behemoth, located on the banks of the Hackensack River in East Rutherford's wetlands, has been open on Sundays for at least a year. According to the Record.
It first opened in 2019, and this massive retail and entertainment complex, featuring stores, restaurants, rides, waterslides, and even a 300-foot Ferris wheel, manages all other businesses in Bergen County. This means that it does not follow the same rules as
And local officials are screaming.
“American Dream, Inc.’s disregard for state law is extremely disturbing and violates American Dream Mall’s tenants, as well as all other Bergen County residents who legally comply with state law. gives an unfair advantage over other businesses,” a Bergen County spokesperson told the Post in an email Monday.
The ever-controversial Bergen Blue Law, which dates back to the 17th century, prohibits Sunday sales of non-essential goods such as furniture, electronics, clothing and cars, The Record reported.
Many retailers are unhappy with the outdated regulations, but supporters like them because they take traffic away from Bergen's busy streets and highways.
Don Ghermezian, CEO of Triple 5, American Dream's parent company, said in a statement to the Post, “Our extensive product list will continue to operate on Sundays, allowing everyone to enjoy the best of American whenever they want. I'm thrilled to be able to enjoy Dream.”
In May, county officials issued a blue law order to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which owns the land where American Dream, MetLife Stadium and other Meadowlands developments are located, according to a letter obtained by the newspaper. He said he tried to persuade them to enforce the law.
“The law specifically prohibits the sale of many of the products these establishments sell on Sundays,” the letter from Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said.
However, one lawyer replied that the agency had no such authority because it was not a police or law enforcement agency.
Sources familiar with the situation claim that the Blue Law has not been applied to land owned by the Sports and Exposition Authority for decades – meaning New York Giants fans will not be allowed to play during Sunday's football game. This means you can purchase the jersey at MetLife.
County officials have asked the state attorney general for guidance, but have not received a response.
Triple 5, a Canadian company, owns large retail stores across North America, including the Mall of America in Minnesota and the West Edmonton Mall in Canada.
