NJ.COM
By Allison Pries | Posted December 23, 2018 at 01:00 AM | Updated December 23, 2018 at 09:07 AM
Blue Laws will keep closed retailers at the gigantic mall taking shape in the Meadowlands. But that doesn't mean the entire complex will be closed on Sundays.
Nearly half of American Dream will be comprised of entertainment -- roller coasters, a ski slope, restaurants and more. Those elements of the development are not impacted by the Bergen County laws that forbid buying non-essential items on Sundays.
Here's a look at the laws and what it means for American Dream:
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What are Blue Laws?
Blue Laws restrict commerce on Sundays. These laws once existed throughout the state. But in 1959, the state gave counties control over them. Bergen County is the only one in the state that hasn't repealed it.
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What's not allowed?
The sale of apparel, building supplies, furniture and appliances is illegal in Bergen County on Sundays.
Violating the law can mean fines of $250 to $5,000 and jail time.
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Has Bergen County tried to repeal it?
The Blue Law has been put out to voters a couple of times.
In 1980 a referendum was voted down 192,394 to 157,648.
Then in 1993 another referendum was defeated by more than 80,000 votes.
Why would retailers want to be in Bergen County if there are Blue Laws?
The retail industry in Bergen County does just fine operating only six days a week.
In fact, the county is home to the highest grossing retail zip code in the country -- Paramus, which has its own Blue Laws just in case the county ones ever get repealed.
There are already five major malls in Bergen County and besides the nearly 1 million Bergen County residents -- who have a median income of more than $91,000 -- they draw consumers from nearby New York City and elsewhere.
Triple Five
How will Blue Laws affect American Dream?
Developer Triple Five has said that 45 percent of the 3 million square foot American Dream will be retail.
All those merchants will be closed on Sunday.
A spokesperson for the developer did not respond to questions about the Blue Law closures.
Triple Five
But more than half of American Dream will be entertainment. And that portion will be allowed to open, based on the Blue Laws.
The rollercoasters, the NHL-sized ice rink, the waterpark, the 18-hole mini-golf course, and more will be open for business on Sundays.
Triple Five
The restaurants at American Dream will also be open on Sundays.
That means the 18 vendors at the MUNCHIES food hall, 20-full service restaurants and more will be ready to feed you -- even on Sunday.
The restaurants at American Dream will also be open on Sundays.
That means the 18 vendors at the MUNCHIES food hall, 20-full service restaurants and more will be ready to feed you -- even on Sunday.
file photo
If you visit American Dream Monday through Saturday, there will be flagship stores and experiential shopping from retailers that hit various price points, including Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Off Fifth, Victoria's Secret, Gap, Hermes and more.
Retailers are required by the developer to provide something special for shoppers.
"Seeing and interacting with brands and merchandise in ways that are different and unique," Don Ghermezian, President & CEO of American Dream told Women's Wear Daily.
Triple Five
When will it open?
After a tortured 16-year history, the mall is closer than ever to actually opening. Triple Five, which took over the development in 2011, has said American Dream will open in Spring 2019.
No specific date has been set yet -- but we bet it won't be on a Sunday.
Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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