Is American Dream Mall Really in Trouble? Blue Laws, Taxes, and Rumors

Everyone in North Jersey has an opinion about the American Dream Mall, but what is actually going on behind the headlines?

From lawsuits over Sunday laws to tax valuation drops, there is a lot to unpack about this massive Meadowlands destination.

Rumors of Closure 

Recently, some have been wondering whether American Dream is on the brink of closing. The short answer is that there is no official announcement that the mall is shutting down, but there are signs of financial challenges and stories worth watching.

A recent reappraisal showed the mall’s value dropped by about $800 million compared to earlier assessments. This significant shift affects how much revenue the borough of East Rutherford might collect and reflects lower-than-expected retail sales and the impact of construction delays and the pandemic. While these financial issues add pressure, a lower assessed value does not mean the mall is closing. Instead, it highlights the broader reality of retail today, where even large malls must constantly adapt.



Blue Laws and Sunday Business: The Lawsuit

Another topic generating attention is Bergen County’s historic blue laws and how American Dream fits into them. Bergen County has some of the oldest blue laws in the nation, which traditionally prohibit most retail sales on Sundays in areas like Paramus.

American Dream has operated retail spaces on Sundays, leading the borough of Paramus to file a lawsuit claiming the mall violated these blue laws. Paramus argues that this gives American Dream an unfair advantage over other retail centers that must close on Sundays.

The mall, however, argues that the blue laws do not apply because it is located on state-owned land managed by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. This legal distinction is now being decided in court, and the outcome could set a precedent for how Sunday business is conducted at large developments in Bergen County. That sounds like it could be a pretty big mic-drop to me. 

What This Means for Shoppers and Locals

American Dream remains open with stores, dining, entertainment, indoor attractions, and even ski slopes. The Sunday rules are still being disputed in court, and while financial reports show ongoing challenges, there is no confirmed plan for closure.

Rather than focusing on whether the mall will close, the more accurate question is how American Dream will evolve to fit the region’s future. Court battles over Sunday operations and tax valuation adjustments could affect jobs, local spending, and the retail landscape in North Jersey.



What do you think of the fate of American Dream Mall?

Do you agree with their argument around the Blue Laws? 

I guess we can only watch to see how it all plays out.