A Wild Visit to New Jersey's Willowbrook Mall! It's Definitely NOT Dead Yet!

Join me as I take a look at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, New Jersey. Is it a dead mall, a dying mall or is it doing just fine? Let me know what you think about this mall in the comments!
If you liked this video, please give me a thumbs up, leave a comment and subscribe to my channel! Thanks!
Sources of Information:
en.wikipedia.o...)
bestattraction...
www.northjerse...
patch.com/new-...
www.nj.com/pas...
web.archive.or...
www.northjerse...
Sources of Historical Photos:
www.cardcow.co...
1.bp.blogspot....
i.pinimg.com/o...
/ vintagewillowbrookmall
www.northjerse...
i.pinimg.com/7...
r-d-g.com/wp-c...
live.staticfli...
r-d-g.com/wp-c...
cloudfront-us-...
#mall #malls #newjersey #shoppingmall #shoppingmalls #retail #waynenj #nostalgia #fleabittenadventures #shoppingcenter #retailshopping

[@johnblaze5252]

Anyone who doubts how well it is doing. Go there the day after Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas.. the entire area is basically shut down with heavy volume traffic.

[@SSNESS]

We never landed on the moon 🌖

[@joeybaseball7352]

Every mall has traffic on black friday and the first day of kwanzaa. That would be great if those were the only 2 days in a year. But that says nothing about the other 363 days.

[@Nervous101]

@@joeybaseball7352 exactly

[@back2the80s]

That’s normal On holidays. What about rest of year?

[@garypranzo9334]

@@SSNESS You have brain damage. Get checked.

[@jackreacher4233]

I remember when the arcade was still open. That used to be my hang out spot on Friday nights in the early 2000s. I believe it was open a little later than the mall. I met so many cool people back in those days when the emo scene was in its golden years

[@dericn]

Fun n' Games! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3jVaIiHnZaqeNU

[@cxxxxxl]

I had friends that would practically live there in the early/mid 2000s

[@Sonny15-215]

In the ‘80s when very few people had Atari the Arcade was packed and Pet Shop was open

[@BatesLDG]

Yea Fun N' Games. The owner, Rich could no longer afford the increased rent prices. The owner of the space kept raising it on him because they didn't like the young kids hanging out late at night at the arcade. That space has remained empty since the arcade closed down. Such a friggin waste.

[@johnjohnblazin]

Fun and games , they closed it down because of drug dealers and other crimes going on😂believe it or not

[@PC-bh9te]

I was a late 70s-early 80s kid & this was my go-to mall! Back before the food court was built all the restaurants & food options were scattered throughout the mall (like a pizza place next to a clothing store). On the second floor where the Journeys store is now, there was a restaurant named Zum Zums--they served hot dogs/burgers, etc. and you could sit on their balcony that overlooked the mall's center below. There used to be a small movie theater where the food court is now. There was also a standalone X-rated theater at the outer edge of the parking lot, as well as a drive-in theater where the Lowes/AMC theater is now. There used to be an amazing fountain in the mall center, with lots of real plants & trees around it. When they redid the mall in the late 1980s they got rid of the original fountain but built a new one that was really more of just a black rectangle with water cascading on it (no plants or trees). I see they got rid of that fountain & replaced it with kiosks. Oh well. There also used to be pay-phone banks (like a carousel) throughout the mall, with 10+ phones per bank. As a teenager my friends and I would jot down the pay phone numbers and when we were home and bored, we'd call the payphones at the mall! Or if we were at the mall, we'd answer ringing pay phones. I met some good friends that way (and lucky I didn't get killed or worse-- guess that's a genX thing). The JCPenney is relocated from a much smaller mall that used to be next to Willowbrook (Wayne Towne Mall) but was demolished about 10 yrs ago & replaced with a Dicks Sporting Goods & Costco. There was also a Roller Rink that had "all night skates" on weekends and my friends and I would go there to skate after the Fun 'n' Games arcade closed. Willowbrook was and still is a great mall. Thanks for your walk thru video. It brought back a lot of fun memories!

[@gcchair7634]

Me too…I got my ears pierced there about 50 years ago.

[@gerardguida7727]

That mall was my second home on the 80s...great memories, great area.

[@mattheww2797]

I miss the giant fountain in what is now the center court, worked in the former Sears there for a few months in the early 2000s

[@robharrison8139]

an old friend of mine used to steal coins from the fountain to play in the arcade. He got caught and banned from the mall for several months. He was oddly proud of this fact.

[@coreyrobinson8209]

​@@robharrison8139 I had two friends get banned for swimming in it! 😂

[@ejr5480]

Willowbrook was the first US mall It is the result of a high level demographic study of the area. It is written up in business textbooks. That’s the main reason it is still thriving.

[@garypranzo9334]

It was in part a response to the Newark Riots. People did not want to shop in the city for a while after that so they built the first Mall.

[@usmc29er44]

Today I learned....

[@btexperience]

25:02 Fun Fact. Gerard Way from my Chemical Romance used to work at that Hot Topic. A lot of childhood memories there. I remember Sterns, and then it became Bloomingdale's in 2002 when I was in high school. The mall does great business around the holiday's and causes a ton of traffic. In terms of market, Willowbrook seemed to always hit that sweet spot between accessible stores and high end. Excellent video my man.

[@joeybaseball7352]

He should go back there and buy a my chemical romance shirt. That would be a full circle moment.

[@masterbond9]

wait, gerard way is from the area? also, Brookfield has a lot of malls and properties. ive done work in several of their buildings. theyre all very modern and very clean

[@rtlthemusician5598]

@@masterbond9yeah Gerard Way is from Essex County NJ

[@masterbond9]

@@rtlthemusician5598 neat

[@TraceyRolandelli]

I grew up going here. The nicest store was Fortunoff's, a separate stand alone department store on the same property. They had a very nice restaurant there too, and a good jewelry department.

[@mark33545]

Funny I also grew up going here and never went in Fortunoffs once.

[@rudyt1582]

That mall is alive and well .in fact I avoid the area entirely on Sundays because the ENTIRE Bergen county folks descend to that mall 😊

[@Beastie_Boy33]

bergen county should really get rid of that sunday blue law

[@plainOldFool]

That's because everyone else invades Paramus on Saturdays.

[@plainOldFool]

@@Beastie_Boy33 It's essentially a Paramus law (or is the strictest). Every so often a referendum to overturn the blue laws in Paramus makes its way to the ballot and every single time the residents vote to keep it in place.

[@AmbroseChamberpot]

I haven't been here in decades although I live 2 towns over. I miss Sam Goody, Herman's Sporting Goods, the video arcade, Suncoast Video. JC Penny moved from West Belt Mall which is in walking distance.

[@billsager5634]

OMG> How many people actually remember Sam Goody? Damn, too old to remember anymore, but Sam Goodie was on the 1st floor. there were other record stores as well, My mind fails me at the monument, but on the 2nd floor was another store (Tower Record?) where I bought a lot of CD's.

[@leaf4224]

I lived in wayne my entire life, I’ve been to Willowbrook for thousands of hours. My parents and grandparents took me their as a kid for holidays and weekends, then when I became a teenager I would go with my groups of friends, then when we graduated hs it all faded away when we had our own lives to go live with college ect. But this mall has many memories for me, feels like home to see it again. Thanks for the video

[@omglivetv1]

Worked there in '85 - Dishwasher in Woolworth. I was still in highschool. Loved it.

[@RetroDayOfficial]

Wow love all the traffic glad to see this mall doing well! Almost reminds me of how the 90s malls did with people going to them regularly!

[@jackreacher4233]

@@RetroDayOfficial I’ve noticed a weird shift in the culture it used to be “let’s go to the mall” was the first thing you thought of when hanging with your friends back in the day. Now “go to the mall” is something you do as a last resort when there’s nothing else to do. I am a people watcher and could go to the mall every day just to walk around and maybe get a bite to eat. It’s nostalgic and entertaining. The mall has that mall smell

[@RetroDayOfficial]

@@jackreacher4233 I agree it's nostalgic and can be something to do or experience especially if it's been a while.

[@dreahope_]

i was just watching a few of your other Jersey mall videos earlier today, and now you’ve posted my go-to mall!! it’s always had good shopping and food selection and it’s never felt dead to me, as someone who has frequented this mall my entire life. you’re right, it gets a lot of Bergen county customers. it’s often PACKED on Sundays lol. so cool to see pictures of it in the 70s, looks beautiful. i hope this mall continues to do well, out of all the malls near me i would be most sad to see this one die

[@fleabittenadventures]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video!

[@therapyinvinyl]

To the left of Sears, right outside, was Fun and Games, the greatest arcade ever to a little me.

[@Metsfan2011]

Fun and Games was AWESOME

[@Sonny15-215]

Arcade was always full of people

[@BatesLDG]

@@Sonny15-215 A lot of us lived in that arcade. Different groups of players. The fighting games group who clung to the Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Street Fighter 3rd Strike cabinets (I myself was usually on the King of Fighters XI cabinet), the rhythm game players playing Dance Dance Revolution and In the Groove 2, and the racing gamers either on Initial D or Midnight Wangan: Maximum Tune. We all knew each other, and there was rarely any problems. Was honestly such a fun time in my life. I was at the auction when they closed, watched my precious KoF XI machine get sold to the owners of Rack N' Roll in Passaic.

[@michaelmunno]

I used to drive from Bergenfield out to Fun & Games, great selection of pinball games, some amazing video games like one of my favorites of all time, Cyberball, with the head to head setup. everything was always maintained well. ahh, I miss that place. I live in Morristown now and I'd still go back to that arcade.

[@mrsparkle001]

I miss Fun N’ Games

[@fleabittenadventures]

Was that an arcade?

[@summersnights1321]

Wow that shows our age 😂. I remember it.

[@TraumaRider]

Many fond memories there miss that place too.

[@BatesLDG]

@@fleabittenadventures It was. It was located on the Sears side of the mall on the outside of the mall entrance so it was able to stay open later than the mall (basically right next to the BJs tire center). If you walk out the exit that has that jump/bungee attraction by Spencers, it is the blacked out space on the left. It closed in 2007 due to the owners of the building raising the rent to high on the arcade owner. The space has sat empty since 2007 sans a Spirit of Halloween one year and some weird pop up clothes shop once. It was a popular spot for members of the FGC (Fighting Game Community) as it was one of the best alternatives for competitive play that wasn't Chinatown Fair on Mott St. in Manhattan.

[@edchamba6224]

Haha yes!!! Oh man those were the days.

[@ryandenis7667]

North New Jersey gotta be the only place in the country that malls will never die. Garden State Plaza is packed every day (expect sundays). I think malls are apart of New Jersey culture

[@ambsat]

Another interesting tour. I've noticed when you cut to old photos oftentimes the difference is warm, wood tones, brown, burnt orange and live greenery was the aesthetic. Today, stark gray/white seems to rule the day. It's a clean, modern look, but I'm tiring of so much gray everywhere! Would be nice to see a more "earthy" if not necessarily "brown" look return to some malls...with some warmer tones and live greens. You're lucky to live close enough to call Westfarms "your mall"...I like that mall too, but it's a 45 min. drive for me. I occasionally make the trip there. Although....back in the 90's and early 2000's my mom and I, almost every Saturday, would drive that far to go to my other favorite mall, Stamford Town Center, which I believe is still doing ok. Stamford is pretty populated with young professionals.

[@mrsaipros338]

Where Banana Republic is now by Macy's (Bambergers) used to be Sam Goody. I worked there Fall of 89-Spring of 90. I remember the big Christmas movie everyone wanted was the 1st Batman with Michael Keaton. It was where everyone I knew spent time. I laugh because 35 years later the only thing still the same in the Mall, Charley's Cheese Steaks in the food court. I ate there every night Lol. I'm on the other side of the country almost 20 years, so I appreciate these videos. They bring back a lot of great memories. Fun-n-Games Arcade. That was amazing there. Sadly closed several years ago I heard.

[@fleabittenadventures]

Glad you like the videos! I did notice a lack of arcades, other than Dave and Busters.

[@patrickc.4887]

The Hallwy in between Old Navy and H and M on the second floor, those large glass windows was the Exit/Entrance doors to the upper deck parking garage. I used to love to drive up the very steep ramp. I always found a spot right out the door. People did not ever seem to park up there. I guess once it started to crack the removed the entire structure. Other than all the brown trim now painted white and that sanistized no plants or fountains, it still feels basicly like the Willowbrook that I grew up shopping in.

[@user-ct6sp1rw7x]

There was a small mall across parking lot that had Fortunoff and the original JCPenney in the 1980's

[@RobHoughton]

Interesting facts: 1) in the early 70's nestled in among the administrative offices (not where they are now) was a 'storefront' for Willowbrook Ministries. It was headed by a man named Bob Chase who worked with musicians and actors to put on shows of a spiritual nature. We found ourselves doing a traveling show of Godspel (note the spelling). 2) In addition, from time to time there was an organized gathering of many folk (hundreds?) where there was a 'world simulation' that took place in an area much like a convention center in the mall where groups of participants a took on the identity of a country with needs and expectations who then would negotiate with other countries with the desire for a peaceful outcome. 3) Lastly, again in the early 70's there would be a sleep over in the mall for teens. I never participated in this but I do remember my friends mentioning it. Willowbrook Mall, back in the day, was a place for commerce and community. Thanks for the video, I somehow think this kind of presentation is important. Cheers!

[@1980richardj]

I remember the FGC at fun and games. I used to compete hard core MvC1 and 2 there.

[@monica-NJ-123]

This was fun, I use to work at Sterns back in the 80s, I haven’t been to this mall in ages, l go to Costco or BJ which are outside the mall, thanks for the tour

[@JH-kd5zu]

The closed restaurant in the Food Court was a Ruby Tuesday’s. Not sure if became anything else after about 2017 or so. But good to see Willowbrook is still doing well. You brought up a good point I forgot, that the Paramus and other Bergen County malls are closed on Sunday, so Willowbrook is the closest “big” mall to those big suburban population centers in Bergen, Essex, Passaic counties. Makes sense it’s still doing well.

[@bobwigg761]

I remember first visiting this Mall not long after it first opened, and later after the Stern’s Wing was added. It was always very busy. The first big changes happened in the late ‘80s, when sky lights were first put in and the Food Court was added.

[@joemaranna8718]

Thank you for the 70s picture at 20:07, i remember that ceiling art as a kid and was sad when they removed it.

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

Looked amazing, now it just looks bland, black and white. Sign of the times, shows how much more creative and vibrant things were

[@DamonBlack_Media]

I'm amazed. I'm from South Eastern Pennsylvania. This mall somehow has more active big brand stores than Willow Grove Mall which is (or was) a popular three story mega mall in the Philly suburbs. That mall is starting to show tell-tale signs of struggle. It's now 50/50 big brand and small business "off brand" type stores in an effort to keep tenants.

[@chillsongvibes]

My hometown mall thanks for doing this one

[@fleabittenadventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@IronDiva]

Me too!

[@tomcolfax863]

The Fun and Games Arcade was a very popular spot back in the 80's when you could still play a game for a quarter and you can still see where it was located near the end of the video just to the left of the XXI store! Would be nice to see that location reopened as an Arcade with some pinball and Arcade games from the 80's! That escalator in then center of the mall was shut down quite a while recently. Guess this accident is what caused it to be shut down can't believe you caught it on video.

[@fanofeverything3476]

I love going there. I'm happy the macy's is still thriving i heard of some clouser's so i am happy it is still there. In the middle of the mall with that mini food market with the small business . Used to be the big fountain they would it decorate during that holidays it was so beautiful.

[@fleabittenadventures]

I would have loved to see a fountain there! Too bad they're removing them at most malls.

[@leonb2637]

I remember when this mall opened and expanded. JC Pennys opened in May 2024 from their former West Belt Mall location to the former Orbachs/Steinbeck/Lord & Taylor site. It has good bus connections to Paterson, Passaic, Clifton, Newark, some suburbs north and south of it as well as NY City. The mall has evolved with a good mix of stores including budget ones like Old Navy to upper middle class ones, an Apple store, sit-down restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang's. They don't have higher end/luxury stores like Short Hills, Garden State Plaza malls. The Sears space is about 75% occupied. Investment has been made to refresh it with some frequency. Safety has been a problem over the years. That is why the bus stop is way from the back of the mall,

[@timrolfes9761]

The Nathan's/Arthur Treacher's has since closed. The Starbucks has been boarded up for renovations for at least two months now. I would like to see a video of the Rockaway Townsquare Mall in Rockaway NJ.

[@njmikeche5575]

I've lived in Wayne since 1970, before that Paterson, so not exactly very far, basically always lived in this area. It's been interesting in recent years to observe how so many malls have gone dead, but Willowbrook continues to thrive. Some Business major should study this and try to figure out what Willowbrook's secret is. They are obviously doing something right. It's really depressing sometimes to encounter a dead mall, but Willowbrook has never gone dead. Back when I was a teenager the main attractions there for me were the arcade and Sears (shoes and Craftsman tool section!), bought most of my clothes at JC Penny, but even without those, they continue to pack the place with customers, especially on weekends. I STILL go there for stuff sometimes (Costco, Red Wing boots, the movie theater, etc.). Is it just the location?

[@hiwayman981]

I wonder if the NJ Transit bus route has something to do with its overall, relative well-being (not sure if transit bussing is available near the others that are not doing as well).

[@ES4406]

I frequented this mall in the late 70s to early 90s.. used to park in the upper deck parking on the back of the mall.. and there was skateaway roller rink.. theres nothing I can place of what I remember..... pretty neat to see it's still kicking. Good job doing this video!!!

[@mvl9591]

Friends and I would always Christmas shop at Willowbrook Mall. All the different stores and we would start and stop at the bar/restaurant!😂

[@IamNiggler]

Thanks for the gay comment lol

[@fleabittenadventures]

I can see that! Thanks for watching!

[@Sonny15-215]

Bar-Restaurant still closed

[@xg6hpyk]

I'm old enough to remember when the mall was in the process of being built. Bamberger's stood for a while as a freestanding store while the rest of the mall was being constructed. The food court was originally a movie theater, the cental court had an oval pond in it, the upper and lower side hall by Old Navy lead to a parking garage that no longer exists.

[@chuck1728]

I frequent this mall whenever I am in Wayne, NJ. One of the reasons why this mall thrives is that it is a transfer point for NJ Transit busses. But the real mall to visit is NJ Gardens Mall in Elizabeth, NJ. This mall thrives because it is off-price and it also attracts folks from Staten Island who love NJ's tax free laws on clothing.

[@arosenweig]

Willowbrook Mall in Wayne is not a dying mall. It is always busy especially on Sundays since Bergen County malls are closed on Sundays. Bloomingdale’s, JCPenney, and Macy’s are the anchor stores at this mall.

[@rl8429]

The JCPenney still looks like a Lord & Taylor from the exterior to the interior. They were located at Wayne Town Center across the street. It may seem questionable to open a new store but I think it was a good decision for them since the space is smaller & they get more foot traffic. Plus Brookfield who owns the mall also bought JCPenney out of bankruptcy.

[@fleabittenadventures]

Yeah, it seems like a good thing for the mall and JCPenney. We'll see though.

[@BreakTime10101]

@@fleabittenadventureswhat happened to the mall across the street?

[@Foxonian]

An Arthur Treacher's? Wow! I haven't seen one of those in over 50 years!

[@fleabittenadventures]

I think that's the first one I've seen.

[@97nelsn]

It’s gone and boarded up.

[@neohistoryfan1014]

@@fleabittenadventures the only two left are in Northeast Ohio.

[@user-fv4hx5gv3s]

Willowbrook was one of the only malls in NJ that had all of the main stores. Still busy on the weekends.

[@RoadTripTelevisionNJ]

I lived in Wayne Township, Passaic County, New Jersey for 3½ decades. I love the Willowbrook Mall. It is one of the few decent malls in the New York City metropolitan area. 👌

[@fleabittenadventures]

If I lived nearby, I'm sure I'd be shopping there often. Nice mall.

[@IronDiva]

Mid level at best stores, and Paterson people go there now.

[@steelethescene]

So many great comments about the past … how about Harmony Hut, Smugglers Attic, Friendly’s, Fireplace Shoppe, the ticket exchange.. I miss these and so many others mentioned in the comments including the plants and fountains.

[@covergirl678]

I loved seeing all the People come to help the lady and not stand there

[@leonardvanorden5940]

That's because it's NEW JERSEY NOT NEW YORK. 😊

[@vanillatornado8390]

My uncle is 5 years older than me. When he was little, he got stuck in an escalator at the mall and ended up having to get stitches in his posterior area. It happened before I was born, or I was too young to remember. My grandmother (his mother) used to tell me the story and, with the advantage of hindsight, laugh about it. It sounded like a fairly traumatic experience as it happened. I hadn't thought about that story in ~20 years until I saw the opening of this video.

[@fleabittenadventures]

I'm surprised more people don't get injured on escalators.

[@mikegallant811]

​@@fleabittenadventuresand Tom I think you did the right thing when you fudged out the accident on the escalator. In certain situations like accidents like that, it's always good to respect people's privacy and give them their dignity. I hope that senior citizen is okay. Because I can tell you, it's bad enough when somebody has an accident on the escalator, but senior citizens can suffer easily from skin damage. At least I think they can and if they're taking blood thinners for a heart condition, it can be a real mess.

[@fleabittenadventures]

I know if I had a medical emergency in public I wouldn't want my face all over the internet, so I figured blurring out the faces was the right thing to do. Thanks for watching!

[@mikegallant811]

@@fleabittenadventures I'm glad to hear you feel that way Tom.

[@Swaytekk]

I visit this mall at least once a week and it’s always busy. Friday-Sunday is always congested. I remember when there was a Fun and Games arcade located on the left side of the food court entrance

[@retroguy1976]

willowbrook is still healthy and adding jcpenny in the lord and taylor spot helped

[@fleabittenadventures]

Yes, it's one of the few malls I've been to with no vacant anchor stores!

[@OriPrior66]

They just built the BJ's there, they added the Cinemark and AMC near costco and have a D&B and renovations adding new restaurants, even $$$ ones. This mall is growing and will keep growing. It's our go to now. The Cinemark is the best in the area too, better than any AMC in the area. BJ's gas is there too so you have the LOWEST gas prices in the area too. So much stuff in one place. Place is thriving

[@racheledwards2352]

I loved coming here in the 90s

[@stephano5759]

I personally consider it the most alive mall in the entire world. Just look at their net earnings as whole. Ranked top in the state.

[@mark33545]

Best location for a mall in history.

[@Sonny15-215]

Arcade used to be packed in ‘80s and watching Pet Store next door to Sears was a must,outside the Mall used to be a Dancing Club playing Rock all night,the Bar-Restaurant in Food Court still closed sad..

[@JonMallek]

I've lived in this area my whole life, this mall is definitely dying. There was a time when you can never get a parking spot, now it's not a problem at all.

[@coreyrobinson8209]

True. But it still has a lot more life than most others. I think the only thing really keeping our malls alive is the population density.

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice tour of this mall, thanks. At 28:18 on the right, good to see a DQ Dairy Queen Ice Cream shop there for vanilla ice cream Sundaes and Orange Julius for the frothy orange smoothie beverage.

[@fleabittenadventures]

Glad you liked it! I wish they had more Dairy Queens where I live. They're pretty uncommon up here.

[@JeffreyPiatt]

DQ and Orange Julius are now the same company under Warren Buffets investment company all Dairy Queen locations have a Orange Julius menu. The mall locations are all integrated as combined snack centers, the the Grill & Chill restaurants also sell the Orange Julius menu.

[@BlackArroToons]

@@JeffreyPiatt Good to know. I didn't know the restaurants added Orange Julius too. Cool, thanks.

[@rosetodaro5081]

My man’s been holding onto this footage for a while. It’s August and NJ is having a heat wave and there snow on the ground 😂

[@summersnights1321]

That mall is far from being dead. Go on a weekend and holidays. I remember a rollerskating ring in one of the plazas in the 80s. If I'm correct over where Homegoods is located now. Also, the drive-in movie theater not far from the mall.

[@bobwigg761]

I went there; it was called “United Skates of America” It was between Westbelt Mall (that is what is was called then) and Willowbrook.

[@madmerlot841]

I hope that person is OK! The mall looks like it's doing well. I think malls should get rid of the concept of anchor stores. It seems to hurt more now than helps. The anchors in that mall look a bit out of place.

[@fleabittenadventures]

I hope she's OK too. I searched for news stories on it, but it never made the news.

[@summersnights1321]

That restaurant that's closed used to be a Ruby Tuesdays. Also, Sarku has excellent Bento boxes. 😊

[@rachaelgoldman5846]

This type of food court design can actually be found in several airports including Kansas City, MO and EWR. It has a food hall type of design.

[@salfromjersey2197]

Who remembers the Fun N’ Games arcade?

[@gkirms]

When was this filmed because it's Summer out and 90 degrees and these shoppers are dressed like it's cold out with Hoodies and Jackets? Finally got to the part where you said it was filmed in February.

[@fleabittenadventures]

February 2024.

[@joeythedime1838]

You need to do a video at the Short Hills Mall and the Rockaway Town Square.

[@fleabittenadventures]

Stay tuned

[@michaeljordan6008]

In the 80s, this place was humming.

[@bobwigg761]

There used to be a Burger King at the end of the corridor where Old Navy is; it had two levels.

[@jplbrass]

OMG, yes! I almost forgot about that. I thought it was so cool to eat “upstairs” 😂

[@RetroDayOfficial]

Wow those pictures you showed at 20 minutes in look incredible! I'd love to be there during that time or somehow now!

[@michaeltemple2231]

This mall was once home to the Willowbrook Cinema, which had a big auditorium & giant screen. They showed THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE in 1973 for an engagement that lasted many weeks! Great memories of this mall in the 70's & 80's.

[@UltraSonic737]

This mall is near me, been going here for almost my entire life. I remember F.Y.E (both of them)., Wizards of the Coast, the Disney Store, and the pet store that used to be fixtures there, along with the large fountain. Last time I was there was a few weeks before Christmas last December, it was nighttime and it was still pretty packed. There's not as many stores that are still there that I'm still interested in, but I do like Gamestop, Old Navy, and Hot Topic. Glad Willowbrook is still thriving all these years later.

[@ericradel8696]

Does anybody else find the sounds of the mall relaxing?

[@fleabittenadventures]

I do. I could probably fall asleep to it.

[@jasonellis9550]

We must be around the same age. I was born September 5th 1974 so I was collecting all the star wars and He man, transformers, Voltron.., and the list goes on. I still have quite a few of my star wars figures. Anyway I love these videos and keep up the good work.

[@fleabittenadventures]

Thanks! Glad you like the videos! And yes, we are close in age. We would have been in high school at the same time at least.

[@jasonellis9550]

@@fleabittenadventures It's funny how nostalgic we get over these things.. It's the small things that make us happy.

[@zoestern8873]

This is my local mall. I’m so impressed with all the info you knew about it. Yard House opened in June 2021 and took over part of Sears after Dave and busters and then BJs finally took the rest. The restaurant where you first walked in on the right used to be a California pizza kitchen. Shoppers find was like a weird blowout sale kind of store. Also there’s two bath and body works, don’t know why. It’s a good mall and always busy.

[@Peq92]

There’s still an area of Sears that’s still abonded, the area near the mall entrance is still gone

[@abandonedmass2333]

They should add a mural where sears was

[@fleabittenadventures]

Yeah, it looks way too bland as it is.

[@Peq92]

I thought BJ’s would have a mall entrance

[@slvnyc2824]

Bamburgers was the name for Macy's in New Jersey. You could shop at Macy's in New York with a Bambuger's card.

[@ChildofGodforevr]

I used to live in Nutley and this was my Mall in the 90’s. But my absolute favorite Mall is the mall at Short Hills. I wish hubby would take me there. But it’s too expensive and I spend too much money in Malls

[@firefighterforlife6673]

Thanks for visiting NJ.

[@AmericanWears]

Some malls won’t fade away anytime soon. Go to king of Prussia mall. It’s so big and busy during certain time I never wanna go again 😅 but that doesn’t stop others from

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

there is an emergency stop button for escalators

[@fleabittenadventures]

I think everyone was too shocked to push it.

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

@@fleabittenadventures that is why you need to make it a point to be aware and look for the buttons BEFORE there is an issue, most people don't know they are there.

[@fleabittenadventures]

True.

[@jplbrass]

If I remember correctly, that vacancy at 2:55 used to be a RadioShack in the 80s-90s

[@gerardguida7727]

I remember when there was NO WILLOWBROOK MALL....IT WAS AN OUTDOOR MOVIE Theater 😊😊...

[@ratherbwithhorses]

Willowbrook never had vacancies and the management was always nice to work with. Everyone wanted to be downstairs where the action was. And still miss Borders and Waldenbooks

[@ejr5480]

Sears didn’t make it though.

[@jeff.0-3]

i was there on a Tuesday in July for the first time in a few years and I was pleasantly surprised to see how busy it was.

[@reginabeasley872]

There used to be Woolworth Walden books Dalton books fye entertainment much more exciting then now the stores are geared for the teenagers jmop

[@fleabittenadventures]

Seems like most stores and most malls are geared towards younger people. I guess it makes sense financially, but I get what you mean.

[@masterbond9]

you went during the week. this mall is absolutely thriving. it even has an express bus service to and from NYC. if you had gone on the weekend, it wouldve been crazy busy

[@allstardumbazz4773]

This place is open and still packed with lots of people especially on the weekends. When it hits late August into September as school starts, there are lots of people. Holiday / Christmas season, THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE!!

[@billsager5634]

WOW!! Sterns, Orbachs, etc..... Brings back memories. I think I had a credit card for almost all of those stores.....Macy's is still there, and still a store to avoid, unless you enjoy being sprayed in the face with a variety of colognes......

[@SteveDave211]

I live near here and its going fine. THey opened a second theater Cinemark when AMC near it and they made as David and busters. They are adding new things their.

[@BrianDykstra]

worked at Champs Sports back in I wanna say 93-95. looks like alot of stores relocated and alot are in the same location.

[@jeremiahscanlon]

I just missed you. Champs in Willowbrook was my first job when I got my work permit in 97. I didn’t work enough hours to be tops on the revenue table, but I always had one of the top “multiple” percentages (especially when the full-timers let a lowly part-timer like me work the shoe area).

[@rodneylewis4402]

Yup...that was the spot. Once we started driving, Livingston Mall was pretty much dead to us & we went out to Willowbrook even though it was further away. Larger, cleaner, greater selection of stores, large movie theater next door.

[@rodneylewis4402]

Check out Short Hills Mall too & maybe Essex Green

[@teddynielsen]

My favorite mall in NJ. I’ve been coming here since the eighties. My only concern for Willowbrook’s future is what would happen if the Macy’s closed. They could find another tenant or change/renovate it to accommodate multiple tenants/stores.

[@bobegunsgaming]

Grew up in the area. Been going off and on since the 70s. Used to be very busy when they first opened. Nice stores and a lot of fun as well. Definitely standing the test of time. Still a very good mall.

[@stemikger]

I agree with what you said about the look of the 70s malls. For some reason all the great designs from the 70s that made these malls so great were forsaken for white walls and glass and they look like futuristic sterile space ships or hospitals. Really sad, the 70s seemed like the glory days of malls and I don't think we will ever see that again.

[@allanya74]

Went to this mall a few times when I lived in Manhattan.

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

Was that opening scene actually the real life version of Mallrats and a kid getting stuck on an escalator?😮

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

Ok, now I heard the explanation… damn that’s crazy😢

[@fleabittenadventures]

Not exactly, but it was crazy!

[@fleabittenadventures]

Craziest thing I've seen at a mall yet.

[@freebread_]

Not a Mall but I did have to help someone caught in an escalator at a convention once. Luckily it was just his shoelace so he took off his shoe and the person behind us just happened to have a knife so we could cut it. Guess Mom was always right about keeping your shoes tied on the escalator

[@fleabittenadventures]

I would guess that untied shoelaces has to be one of the major causes of escalator accidents.

[@ToddKojack]

That vacancy used to be a pet store many years ago.

[@reginabeasley872]

Yes pet purrie I bought a parakeet from there😊

[@summersnights1321]

I got a guinea pig from there. 😊

[@fleabittenadventures]

Thanks for the info!

[@fleabittenadventures]

I don't see too many mall pet stores anymore.

[@seer6961]

@@fleabittenadventurescan you go to Rockaway Mall nearby? They have an animal shelter's adoption center there. It's nice to see. I'm only used to the high-end Westfield and Simon malls in Bergen County that are so sterile in comparison, they would never have a place like that.

[@spitfiresr]

Willowbrook is doing just fine lol

[@fleabittenadventures]

I agree.

[@Trumpetjoe40]

This is the first time I heard someone say JC Penney is moving INTO the mall.

[@rtlthemusician5598]

I think part of the reason this mall is doing so well is because it’s where the good people of Bergen County go to shop on Sundays when all their malls are closed

[@johnsimms3693]

Looks like that mall is doing well .. they even have Against All Odds .. wow ..

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

We comin' out the wood work with this one!!!

[@DjGabrielEscobar973]

I live near by so I frequent this mall alot and it always has some traffic in it. Obviously I cant speak for the accounting and if it makes money or not but its usually pretty active and the weekends are pretty busy aswell.

[@timothyryan7234]

Hi Tom, love your videos love the one you just did with Willowbrook Mall in New Jersey definitely looks busy. And I commented one time about asking if you’d come up to Syracuse to do destiny USA and I think you said that you were going to try sometime so awesome well take care and like I said I love your videos love the flea market ones they’re awesome the candy went to. That was great And you did a video on the movie theater that was closing I like those two so keep up the good work. God bless you and your mom.

[@fleabittenadventures]

Thanks! Glad you like the videos! I definitely plan to get out to Destiny USA and the Buffalo, NY and Niagara Falls area sometime either late this year or next year. I want to get a Passport first so that I can go into Canada too.

[@timothyryan7234]

@@fleabittenadventures Thanks, Tom.