Jersey Gardens

Jersey Gardens, officially known as The Mills at Jersey Gardens, is a large indoor outlet mall located at 651 Kapkowski Road in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Opened in October 1999, it is the largest outlet mall in New Jersey and is situated in a strategic area near major transportation routes including the New Jersey Turnpike (Exit 13A) and Newark Liberty International Airport. The mall is approximately 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, making it a convenient shopping destination for both local residents and visitors from New York City. The surrounding area is urban and commercial, with Elizabeth serving as a significant hub in the region, known for its retail centers and proximity to major highways and airports rather than tourist beaches or suburban neighborhoods.

Jersey Gardens was built on a former landfill site that underwent extensive environmental cleanup before construction. The mall spans two floors and offers about 1.3 million square feet of retail space, housing around 230 stores and restaurants. It is part of the Simon Property Group’s portfolio of outlet malls, which acquired it in 2015 and rebranded it as part of their "Mills" series.

The mall features a diverse mix of outlet stores, including fashion, footwear, sportswear, and home goods. Shoppers can find a variety of brands ranging from affordable to luxury outlets, although the emphasis is on value retail. The retail mix includes well-known apparel and shoe brands, sportswear outlets, and some specialty stores. Dining options include casual restaurants and food court facilities to accommodate shoppers. Jersey Gardens also provides ample parking with direct access ramps from the New Jersey Turnpike, facilitating easy vehicle entry without navigating local streets. Public transit access is available via NJ Transit buses connecting the mall to New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Typical mall hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. New Jersey’s tax-free policy on clothing and shoes applies here, making it an attractive shopping destination for apparel purchases. Amenities include family-friendly services and entertainment options, such as a bowling and arcade center that opened in 2025, enhancing the mall’s appeal beyond just shopping. Overall, Jersey Gardens serves as a major retail and entertainment complex in the Elizabeth area, catering to a broad customer base with convenient access and a wide variety of outlet shopping options.