Woodbridge Center Mall - Is it a Dying Mall?

I visit Woodbridge Center Mall to see how it's doing in these difficult times.

[theroman]

I have some amazing childhood memories in that mall, and I still visit it from time to time. I hope it stays alive and well!

[jayonez]

Grew up in that mall in the 70s and 80s. Some great memories there. Especially spaceport!
But malls are pretty much dead all across this country even more so since the pandemic. Everybody just buys online

[thecarman]

This was one of the first large indoor malls in NJ --- at one time being the largest in Sq.-Ft. Some stores I recall from years ago are Sterns, Orbach's, A&S (now defunct Sears), Spaceport, Sam Goody, Roy Rogers, Hobby Tech, KB Toy & Hobby, Fortunoff, Hayne's, Steinbach, etc. There used to be a large circular stairwell near the A&S wing that sported a large art gallery store that put its paintings throughout the stairwell; a rather unique design for a mall. All gone.

[Jrsy_Grl]

I miss that mall so much. Long live Woodbridge Center!

[Stilicho]

I grew up in Woodbridge, but moved away long ago. This video is like a time machine going back to my childhood.

[tristanlaferriere]

I've always loved this mall for its retro feel. I feel like I'm walking around in the early 90s with the decor, the fountains, and the style of old style of the Wendy's and Burger King on the first floor. It really does feel like you've gone back in time.

[basicfacekick]

Thanks for this. Haven't been able to get to Woodbridge for years, but this mall was a huge part of my childhood. The days of coming in through Fortunoff and hitting Kaybee Toys right there on the upper level, then over to Chick-Fil-A. I can't for the life of me remember the tabletop gaming and billiards store near one of the other anchors, but that place was great too.

[ClaudeS]

Before Sears moved in to that building it was owned/built by A&S (Abraham & Strauss). That explains the architecture. Sears just moved in without making any changes.

[trainofthough]

Just as an update; as of now, Sears has closed up shop in Woodbridge Mall. That entire end of the mall where Sears was located is quite dead and I doubt anything will move in to take that anchor spot. The famous Johnny Rockets is also gone which saddens me more than anything but other than that, the mall is going quite strong. It isn't going anywhere. There's a lot of unfounded rumors going around that they're going to turn Woodbridge Mall into condos or a hospital but those are all completely untrue. Woodbridge Mall is not going anywhere.

[fanpalm]

I remember Woodbridge Center Mall! I used to go here when I was younger and really enjoyed riding the train and carousel. What I enjoyed most about the mall was the fountains and palms specifically in the very center of the mall. The way the water would flow out like a hose and collect into the basin of water with steps leading into it was very cool! I wonder why they got rid of those fountains and that design? I found that part of the mall the most unique.

[richem]

There just the other day--shocked to see that the Starbucks closed down. There's actually an ad posted on the outside wall from another company offering to hire Starbucks baristas.

[Kantoh]

I love the fountain. I have had many memories in this mall. Still do. I go to JC Pennys to take family photos stillz every holiday, with my wife and son. My brother-in-law, and cousin-in-law worked at Sears right before it closed. Shopping in this mall with my best friend back then was so much fun. Thanks for this.

[tonyw]

OH I remember going to this mall before a few months or years ago!
I went there with my cousin Jenna and went to Ocean Quest to see all the different fish and sea creatures!
*I also went there with my dad a few times too for fun*

[nikos-pcyt]

My grandparents live in Woodbridge, I remember getting dropped off at my grandparents house while my parents went and shopped here, mainly at Fortunoff since it was my mothers #1 store in both Woodbridge and the Mall at the Source in Westbury.

[basitk]

people cmon keep the malls alive. its the only last social place we have.

[rl]

It's pretty weird that fye opened a new store in menlo park which isn't too far from this one in woodbridge. Both seem to be open for now.

[STEVEHEROLD]

back in early 80s we would make the drive up from the beach to go there like once a year. always right after thanksgiving to start holiday shopping. it was crazy cause it seemed so gigantic compared to our malls (monmouth & seaview). loved those visits.

[flauze]

Who remembers software Etc, and the Comic Book store that used to be next to the video game store ? Also the arcade that used to be downstairs ?

[doway]

Ive been going to Woodbridge since i was in a stroller (40 years) and STILL going there! It may appear that is dying, but its not really dying at all, over the weekends, holidays and especially on Halloween its always full of customers! So its not going away anytime soon. Boscovs, JC Penny, Seaquest and Dave N Busters are keeping it above water.

[jeee]

Retro mall with fountains, I really like this mall.