Imagine a world where you can ski indoors but can’t buy a new shirt on a Sunday! That’s the bizarre reality sparking a major lawsuit in New Jersey. The American Dream Mall is battling local officials over centuries-old ‘blue laws’ prohibiting Sunday retail. Is it a much-needed break for communities or an outdated restriction stifling commerce?

The sprawling American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, finds itself embroiled in a contentious legal battle, facing a lawsuit from the neighboring town of Paramus over its practice of selling nonessential items on Sundays. This dispute reignites a centuries-old debate surrounding New Jersey’s “blue laws,” which have long dictated the rhythms of commerce in Bergen County, and challenges the very definition of retail operations within the state.

Blue laws, deeply rooted in historical religious observances, traditionally mandated Sunday closures for businesses, with modern proponents now arguing they provide a crucial respite from the incessant traffic and commercial noise for residents in the densely populated region near New York City. While most New Jersey counties have long since repealed such regulations, Bergen County has consistently upheld these measures, with local voters repeatedly affirming their commitment to these unique retail restrictions.

Paramus, itself a significant shopping destination boasting numerous malls and retail strips, contends that American Dream’s Sunday operations create an unfair competitive advantage. Officials from Paramus highlight that nearly every other retail establishment in the county adheres strictly to the Sunday closure mandate for nonessential goods, presenting a unified front against what they perceive as a violation of established local ordinances.

When American Dream Mall first opened its doors in 2019, positioned conveniently next to MetLife Stadium, there was a public understanding, and indeed a promise, that its retail outlets would observe the county’s blue laws. Initially, the plan was to operate its entertainment attractions, such as the indoor ski slope and theme parks, on Sundays, while keeping retail stores closed, aligning with the longstanding local tradition.

However, a subsequent report revealed that the mall’s retailers had been opening on Sundays for nearly a year, sparking the current legal challenge. American Dream’s defense centers on a claim that Bergen County’s blue laws do not apply to the complex, citing its location on state-owned property as a jurisdictional exemption, thereby challenging the county’s authority over its commercial activities.

This legal stance directly contradicts previous assurances. Paramus Mayor Christopher DiPiazza explicitly stated that American Dream had “promised on record” to abide by the county’s blue laws. Furthermore, Jim Tedesco, the Executive of Bergen County, affirmed that American Dream’s operators had “personally assured” him of their intention to keep retailers shut on Sundays, underscoring a perceived breach of trust and commitment.

County Executive Tedesco forcefully articulated his disappointment, stating, “They broke that promise. Their decision to operate retail on Sundays not only violates state statute, it gives them an unfair advantage over every other business in Bergen County that is following the law.” This sentiment encapsulates the strong local resistance to the mall’s actions, emphasizing both legal and ethical concerns.

The lawsuit extends beyond American Dream, also naming East Rutherford, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), and Bergen County itself as defendants. Representatives from NJSEA and the state attorney general’s office have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, a standard practice in such legal proceedings, leaving the ultimate resolution to the courts.

This ongoing legal tussle highlights the complex interplay between local traditions, economic development, and legal interpretation. The outcome of the lawsuit will not only determine the future of Sunday shopping at American Dream Mall but could also set a significant precedent for how centuries-old blue laws are applied and enforced in modern commercial landscapes within New Jersey and potentially beyond.