- Attraction: The Mills at Jersey Gardens
- Location: 651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
- Industry: Shopping Mall
- Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/the-mills-at-jersey-gardens
Imagine a shopping destination where 200+ stores live under one roof and your money stretches further than usual.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens draws over 18 million visitors each year—that’s nearly five times the foot traffic of the Statue of Liberty.
This two-level indoor outlet mall stands as New Jersey’s largest outlet shopping center, having welcomed bargain hunters since its grand opening on October 21, 1999.
The real kicker?
Zero sales tax on clothing and shoes means your shopping dollars go significantly further here than in neighboring states.
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Keep Exploring →The location works brilliantly for both locals and tourists. Sitting just 30 minutes from Manhattan and five minutes from Newark Airport, this shopping mecca offers easy access whether you’re driving or taking public transit.
A dedicated New Jersey Turnpike exit leads directly to the property, eliminating the need to navigate through Elizabeth’s streets. Unlike many struggling retail centers across America, this indoor mall pulses with energy and maintains full occupancy—a rare sight in today’s retail landscape.
Luxury Outlets & Designer Destinations
Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store: One of the mall’s anchor tenants brings upscale department store variety with outlet prices. The selection spans fashion, accessories, and home goods, making it easy to check multiple items off your list in one stop.
Saks OFF 5TH: Premium designer labels become attainable at this luxury outlet. The inventory changes regularly, giving you fresh options each time you visit and keeping the treasure hunt exciting.
Michael Kors: Handbags, watches, and leather accessories fill this popular outlet location. The price reductions make designer accessories feel less like splurges and more like smart investments in quality pieces.
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Discover MoreCoach: Both men’s and women’s leather goods get substantial markdowns here. The classic American brand’s signature bags, wallets, and accessories come at prices that make building a collection realistic rather than aspirational.
Kate Spade New York: Vibrant colors and playful designs characterize this outlet’s selection. The cheerful aesthetic pairs nicely with price tags that won’t drain your bank account.
Tommy Hilfiger: This location holds a unique distinction as the largest Tommy Hilfiger store in the United States. The expansive space translates to an enormous selection of preppy classics for every family member.
Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store: Classic American style gets the outlet treatment here. From cable knits to Oxford shirts, you’ll find wardrobe staples at prices that make sense for everyday wear.
Tory Burch: As the designer’s first New Jersey outlet location, this store delivers preppy-chic style with significantly reduced price points compared to regular retail.
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Keep Exploring →Athletic Gear & Performance Wear
Nike Factory Store: Sneakers and athletic wear get deep discounts at this perennially busy location. The inventory moves quickly, so decisive shopping pays off when you spot something you love.
Adidas Outlet: Three-stripe style becomes budget-friendly here. Whether you need actual performance gear or just love the athletic aesthetic, you’ll find options across all categories.
PUMA: European sporty style meets outlet pricing. The selection covers everything from running shoes to casual streetwear, all at prices that encourage stocking up.
Under Armour: Technical athletic wear designed for serious training comes with less serious price tags at this outlet location.
New Balance: American-made sneakers and comfortable athletic wear fill the shelves at this location, perfect for those who prioritize both comfort and value.
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Discover MoreThe North Face & Columbia: Outdoor enthusiasts can gear up for adventures without the usual financial pain. Quality jackets, hiking essentials, and cold-weather gear come at approachable prices.
Contemporary Fashion & Fast Fashion
H&M: Trendy pieces at already-low prices get even better deals at this fast-fashion favorite. Your wardrobe stays current without requiring major financial commitment.
Forever 21: Youth-oriented styles and on-trend pieces come at basement prices. This spot works perfectly for fashion experimentation without the risk.
Primark: The Irish fast-fashion retailer brings its ultra-affordable approach to Jersey Gardens. The enormous store offers incredible variety at prices that seem almost too good to be true.
Banana Republic Factory Store: Sophisticated workwear and polished weekend pieces come at outlet prices that make professional dressing affordable.
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Keep Exploring →Calvin Klein: Designer denim, underwear, and contemporary basics get substantial markdowns. The quality remains solid while the prices drop dramatically.
Guess: Contemporary fashion with an edge comes at more accessible price points. Denim, dresses, and accessories all see significant reductions from retail pricing.
True Religion: Premium denim at outlet prices makes these coveted jeans suddenly attainable. The quality craftsmanship remains while the sticker shock disappears.
Specialty Shopping & Family Favorites
Disney Outlet: Character merchandise, toys, and themed apparel pack this expansive store. The space rivals standalone Disney stores, and the prices make collecting your favorites more feasible.
LEGO Store: Building block enthusiasts find sets and exclusive merchandise here. Whether shopping for kids or adult collectors, the selection impresses.
Pottery Barn Outlet: Home décor dreams become reality at outlet prices. Furniture, bedding, and decorative pieces let you create the aesthetic you want without the typical investment.
TUMI: Luxury luggage gets discounted at this outlet location. Quality travel gear becomes a realistic purchase rather than an unattainable luxury.
Swarovski: Sparkling crystal jewelry and decorative pieces shine at reduced prices. The outlet brings this premium brand within reach for more shoppers.
Perfumania: Designer fragrances from multiple brands gather in one convenient location. The variety means you’ll likely find your signature scent at a better price.
Mall Atmosphere & Layout
Climate-Controlled Comfort: The fully enclosed design protects shoppers from New Jersey’s unpredictable weather. Summer heat waves and winter storms stay outside while you browse in consistent comfort.
Spacious Two-Level Design: Wide corridors prevent that cramped feeling common in older malls. The generous walkways accommodate crowds without creating bottlenecks.
Clean Facilities: The common areas, restrooms, and corridors maintain high cleanliness standards. The facility management clearly prioritizes upkeep and maintenance.
Contemporary Minimalist Design: The architecture focuses on function over flash. You won’t find elaborate fountains or dated decorative features—just clean, modern spaces that let the merchandise take center stage.
Plentiful Seating Areas: Benches and seating clusters appear throughout the mall. Your feet will appreciate these rest stops during marathon shopping sessions.
Thriving Retail Environment: The mall bucks national trends by maintaining full occupancy and steady crowds. This vibrant atmosphere creates an energetic shopping experience rather than the depressing emptiness seen at struggling malls.
Entertainment Beyond Shopping
AMC Theatres with IMAX: Twenty screens including IMAX technology transform your shopping day into a full entertainment outing. Catching a movie provides the perfect break when shopping fatigue sets in.
Round1 Bowling & Arcade: This 2025 addition brings bowling lanes, arcade games, and karaoke to the complex. The entertainment venue gives shoppers (especially families with kids) alternative activities when retail therapy reaches its limit.
Food Court Variety: The upper-level food court houses Sbarro, Burger King, Popeyes, and Moe’s Southwest Grill. The range ensures everyone in your group finds acceptable options.
Full-Service Restaurants: Johnny Rockets, Chili’s, and Applebee’s offer sit-down dining experiences. These spots provide proper rest breaks with table service when you need more than quick food court fare.
Planning Your Visit
Tax-Free Shopping Advantage: New Jersey’s zero sales tax on clothing and shoes creates immediate savings. This benefit compounds when shopping for entire families or stocking up on seasonal wardrobes.
Outlet Pricing Structure: Discounts typically range from 40-70% off regular retail prices. The savings vary by store and season, with clearance sections offering even deeper cuts.
Free Parking: Massive surface lots surround the mall at no charge. During peak times (weekends, holidays, and afternoon hours), you might circle a bit before finding a spot. Valet service operates on weekends for those wanting to skip the parking hunt.
Guest Services Amenities: The Guest Services desk offers shopping cart rentals, wheelchair loans, stroller rentals, and sells discount coupon books for additional savings at participating retailers.
Public Transit Access: NJ Transit buses 111 and 115 run directly from Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal to the mall. The 30-45 minute ride costs approximately $14 round trip, making car-free shopping totally feasible.
Airport Convenience: The five-minute drive from Newark Liberty International Airport makes this an ideal layover activity. If you’re facing a long connection, shopping beats airport lounging.
Strategic Timing: Arriving right at opening (10 AM Monday-Saturday, 11 AM Sunday) means empty stores and available parking. Crowds build steadily throughout the day, with weekends bringing the most intense traffic.
Endurance Shopping Reality: With 200+ stores across two levels, comprehensive browsing requires serious time commitment. Comfortable footwear isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Many shoppers bring rolling suitcases to manage their haul.
Family Amenities: Wide walkways accommodate strollers easily. A kids’ play area features toy cars and slides where children can release energy while parents catch their breath.
Nearby Hotels: Five hotels sit directly across the street from the mall. Multi-day shopping trips or convenient overnight stays before early flights make these properties particularly useful.
Currency Exchange Available: International visitors can handle currency needs on-site, making the mall accessible for tourists from around the globe.
Free WiFi: The entire mall offers complimentary wireless internet, perfect for price checking, coordinating with shopping partners, or sharing photos of your finds.
Best Shopping Strategy: Hit your priority stores first, especially popular outlets like Nike and Coach where inventory moves quickly. Plan bathroom and food breaks strategically, as weekend lines can form.
Weekday Advantages: Monday through Friday mornings offer the most relaxed shopping experience. The reduced crowds make browsing more pleasant and parking stress-free.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
📍 651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
