The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, continues to open on Sundays despite Bergen County’s long-standing blue laws. These rules, which date back centuries, forbid most retail activity on Sundays and remain among the strictest in the nation.
The mall uses its location on land managed by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to sidestep the ban. The authority claims it cannot enforce county blue laws, giving the mall an advantage over other retailers forced to close.
Local officials have responded firmly. Paramus township leaders threatened legal action earlier this year, and Bergen County requested the state attorney general to step in. They argue the mall’s defiance creates unfair competition, disrupts commercial balance, and clogs roads with extra Sunday traffic.
American Dream, owned by Triple Five Group, ranks among the largest retail and entertainment complexes in the United States. By opening on Sundays, it attracts visitors to its shops, attractions, and restaurants while other businesses comply with the law.
The conflict shows the tension between tradition and modern commerce. Blue laws aim to preserve a weekly day of rest and reduce congestion. Yet critics say these rules no longer fit today’s consumer-driven economy. The mall insists Sunday operations serve shoppers’ needs and benefit tenants.
For now, the mall keeps its doors open while state officials consider enforcement options. Any ruling could set a precedent for how New Jersey balances historic laws with current retail realities.