- Attraction: Cherry Hill Mall
- Location: 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
- Industry: Shopping Mall
- Website: https://cherryhillmall.com/
Stand before more than six decades of American retail evolution.
Cherry Hill Mall opened its doors in October 1961 as one of the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping centers east of the Mississippi River, drawing crowds of 25,000 on opening day alone.
Designed by legendary architect Victor Gruen and developed by James Rouse, this pioneering destination literally changed the landscape of American shopping and even inspired the township itself to adopt the Cherry Hill name.
Today, this sprawling super-regional mall has transformed into South Jersey’s premier fashion and dining destination, featuring over 165 specialty stores anchored by Macy’s, Nordstrom, and JCPenney across 1.3 million square feet of retail space.
You’ll discover an upscale shopping experience that balances heritage with modern luxury, where Apple Store enthusiasts shop alongside Nordstrom devotees, and where the surrounding Bistro Row restaurants have turned a simple mall visit into a full dining destination.
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Keep Exploring →Anchor Stores & Major Retailers
Macy’s: The mall’s largest anchor spreads across three massive floors totaling over 304,000 square feet. You’ll find departments ranging from home goods to fashion, and notably one of the rare locations featuring a dedicated bridal section. The sheer size means you can easily spend hours browsing without seeing everything.
Nordstrom: This two-story, 138,000-square-foot luxury department store opened in 2009 and completely elevated the mall’s profile. You’ll appreciate the upscale merchandise selection, the Nordstrom Marketplace Café for a quick bite, and the Ebar for coffee drinks. The quality and service here consistently exceed expectations for a mall-based location.
JCPenney: Anchoring the north wing with two floors spanning 174,000 square feet, this location offers familiar family-friendly shopping with clothing, home goods, and seasonal items. The wing near JCPenney also houses the mall’s food court.
Specialty Stores Galore: The mall features an impressive tenant mix including Apple Store (consistently busy with workshops and tech support), lululemon, Alo Yoga, Zara, H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, the LEGO Store, and Hot Topic. You’ll find both high-end boutiques and mid-range favorites all under one roof.
Shopping Experience & Store Variety
Fashion Forward Selection: Cherry Hill Mall positions itself as South Jersey’s fashion destination, and the variety backs up that claim. From luxury brands at Nordstrom to trendy fast fashion at H&M and Zara, you’ll find clothing options for every style and budget. The athletic wear selection particularly stands out with both lululemon and Alo Yoga offering premium activewear.
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Discover MoreTech & Electronics Hub: The Apple Store here functions as a genuine tech hub with workshops, Genius Bar appointments, and product launches that draw crowds. You’ll often see lines forming for new releases and the store maintains that signature Apple retail energy.
Beauty & Personal Care: With Sephora, Lush, and Bath & Body Works, plus the beauty departments in anchor stores, you’ll have plenty of options for cosmetics and skincare shopping. The variety means you can comparison shop without leaving the mall.
Specialty Shopping: Beyond the usual mall suspects, you’ll discover stores like Kendra Scott for jewelry, Dr. Martens for footwear, and the LEGO Store for both kids and adult collectors. Build-A-Bear Workshop continues to delight younger visitors and nostalgic adults alike.
Dining Options & Food Court
Bistro Row Excellence: The exterior-facing restaurant strip along Route 38 transforms this mall into a legitimate dining destination.
You’ll find upscale options including Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, The Capital Grille (known for expertly cooked steaks and table-side preparations), Seasons 52 (seasonal American cuisine with lighter portions), and Maggiano’s Little Italy (perfect for family-style Italian feasting).
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Keep Exploring →Several locations offer complimentary valet parking, which proves invaluable during peak hours.
Chain Restaurant Variety: Additional dining options surrounding the mall include Bahama Breeze Island Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, and Bobby’s Burger Palace. The variety means you can satisfy virtually any craving before or after shopping.
The Bistro at Cherry Hill: Located inside the mall between Macy’s and Nordstrom, this family-owned spot deserves special mention. You’ll watch chefs prepare your meal at the open kitchen with counter seating that wraps around the cooking area.
The menu impressively spans burgers, pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. The Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla and Crab Caesar Salad earn particularly high praise. Portions run generous, and despite the location, food quality consistently exceeds typical mall fare. Expect crowds during peak times as finding a seat can prove challenging when this popular spot fills up.
Food Court Offerings: The 10-unit food court near JCPenney provides quick-service options including Subway, Charleys Philly Steaks, Asian cuisine, pizza from Dough Boy Pizza, Cinnabon for dessert, and various smoothie and beverage options.
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Discover MoreThe seating area accommodates 600 people with generous space, though some visitors note the food court feels smaller and more dated compared to the mall’s renovated sections.
Atmosphere & Interior Design
Modern Renovation Aesthetic: The mall underwent extensive renovations in the late 2000s, replacing the previous teal and gray color scheme with contemporary marble flooring, wood-wrapped columns, and a clean, upscale ambiance.
The Grand Court features skylights, decorative tile mosaics in cherry blossom designs, and a smaller fountain that creates a pleasant centerpiece.
Mixed-Level Layout: The original 1961 portion operates on a single level, while newer wings added in 1978 and 2009 feature two stories. This L-shaped configuration means you’ll do some walking to cover the entire mall, but multiple entrances help you access different areas efficiently.
Bright and Spacious Feel: Skylights throughout the renovated sections flood the corridors with natural light, creating an airy shopping environment that feels less enclosed than many traditional malls. The wide corridors prevent that congested feeling even during busier shopping periods.
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Keep Exploring →Upscale Yet Accessible Vibe: The renovations successfully created a more sophisticated atmosphere reminiscent of King of Prussia Mall, attracting higher-end retailers while maintaining accessibility for everyday shoppers. You’ll notice the quality finishes and attention to detail in the common areas.
Practical Considerations & Visitor Tips
Parking Realities: The mall features a large private parking lot plus a three-story parking garage constructed during renovations. During peak weekend hours and holidays, finding parking can prove frustrating and traffic congestion around the mall intensifies significantly. Weekday visits offer much easier parking access. Several upscale restaurants provide complimentary valet parking for diners.
Pricing Spectrum: You’ll encounter the full range from affordable fast fashion to luxury goods. Anchor stores offer mid-range pricing, while specialty boutiques and stores like Nordstrom, lululemon, and Alo Yoga command premium prices. The diversity means most budgets can find appropriate options, though this leans more upscale than discount-focused.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays provide the most relaxed shopping experience with thinner crowds and available parking. Saturdays bring the largest crowds and worst traffic. Sundays fall somewhere in the middle with reduced hours (11am-6pm compared to weekday 10am-9pm). Holiday shopping periods can feel overwhelming with store capacity management and long parking searches.
Family-Friendly Features: The mall accommodates families well with strollers, offers wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals, and allows dogs. Seasonal events like Santa photos and Easter Bunny visits provide entertainment, though photo packages run somewhat pricey. The LEGO Store and Build-A-Bear Workshop specifically cater to younger visitors.
Historical Significance: As you shop, you’re walking through retail history. When this mall opened in 1961, it drew such massive attention that The Wall Street Journal, New York Times Magazine, and Reader’s Digest all covered the opening. The mall’s success literally put Cherry Hill on the map and proved that enclosed malls would become the future of American retail.
Accessibility: The mall’s location at the interchange of Route 38 and Haddonfield Road makes it easily accessible from Philadelphia (just minutes away) and throughout South Jersey. The proximity to major highways contributes to its continued popularity as a regional destination.
Worth the Visit: Despite facing competition from online shopping and changing retail landscapes, Cherry Hill Mall remains South Jersey’s strongest mall destination. The combination of quality anchor stores, specialty retailers, and exceptional dining options creates an experience that justifies the trip, particularly compared to alternatives like Moorestown Mall nearby.
Cherry Hill Mall
📍 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
