Newport Centre Mall: It's Not Dead Yet! Jersey City, New Jersey. Spring 2023.

[@absolutfushia]

Wow, what a find! I have great memories of Newport Mall from the late 80s & 90s! I started working there the year after the mall opened and through most of the 90s. Saw sooo many changes in this vid but both Sears and JC Penney seem stuck in time. They, along with Sterns were the original anchor stores…. Filenes Basement came a few years later and it was actually located where you entered and exited the Mall! That entrance was not there from the beginnings of the mall…. of course the tower(s) and parking garage right behind the mail we’re not there until late 90s..by then Filenes had closed and they added on another anchor store…. Which would be where Macys moved to after leaving the Sterns space. I was gone before Kohls came. They had been starting on th at back entrance and shops before I left, but I never saw it opened. But that mall back then??? Always packed…weekdays/nights and weekends…. With the Path/Holland Tunnel, plus the UEZ tax discount and no tax on clothing, people came from everywhere! This vid showed that quite a few stores I remember moved on from the mall…but I saw some familiar ones that remained though they may have moved spots during the remodel.But I see Aeropostal still holding on to their prime 2nd Fl center spot!😂 Anyway, back in it’s heyday, Newport was a pretty cool place to work and shop❤

[@metacalm6951]

The mall used to have a JC Penny with great deals on weekends in early 2000s. The Sears department store is one of only 17 stores left across United States.

[@AlexandriaMorgan]

J.C. Penney is still there! Sears closed a few months ago

[@kimberlycushman203]

I go to this mall quite often and it is very busy on the weekends. A lot of New Yorkers will come here because the Path Station is right there. Also, it has a great food court and AMC Movie Theater. Sears and Kohl’s at this mall do not bring in much business, but Uniqlo just opened up in May and that store is packed. Another great thing about this mall is that it is well behaved dog friendly.

[@dylanmaher2526]

Good morning 🌞 🌹may this day come with all the love your heart can hold and bring you every success you desire may each of your footsteps bring joy

[@johnsamoilis6379]

New Yorkers come because there is no sales tax on clothes in New Jersey

[@toocoolforreel]

Transportation here is still common here especially that points directly to the city just across the River. Now these days with a mixed used developments everything is rapidly growing.

[@ffollari299]

Beware my car was broken into twice

[@prefeitobear9209]

There was a nice buffet at the corner of the food court in early 2000s. I used to eat there every Saturday morning.

[@reginabeasley872]

Been here love it it has a few new stores since I was there bath and body works wasn't there then it's still going strong

[@jeank5410]

The last time I was at Newport Center Mall was January, 2020 (pre pandemic) during the week at lunchtime. Anyway, it was about as busy as it looks in your video. I took a walk through the Sears at the time and it was pretty dead in there, almost like I was the only one in the store. Surprising it’s the last one in NJ and that it’s still open.

[@ibabylei]

Just discovered your videos, they’ve been fun to watch. I practically grew up in this mall.. lol. You mentioned Kohl’s replacing Sterns and the Macy’s closing, but, actually, Kohls did take over the spot where Sterns used to be, and when Macys moved in, they built a whole and additional floor internally, so Macys was separate.. if that makes any sense. The sterns was only 2 floors. Filene’s basement/pay half was located where Zinburger & Cheesecake Factory used to be/is on the main floor, only.

[@Macsimus007]

The first time I ever been to this mall was back in 92-93 as a kid, and it was a regular hangout for us in middle/high school. JCPenny was there since I first saw the mall, so I imagine it is one of the anchor stores. The theater renovation was great because the old seats and screens were kinda crappy as time went on. On weekends it gets crowded and last Wednesday I watched Mission Impossible at 2:30pm and the mall was packed. It's summer time so obviously that has a lot to do with it, but the mall still seems to have life in it, which is nice to see. This mall has so many great memories for me and many stores have come and gone since the old days. I hope it doesn't get gutted.

[@barrye5376]

Yes Used to go there frequently around 1989-1992 - Used to take the Path Train I think and go to the Movies and Food Court and also to walk around to the Stores

[@daniellizarraga3897]

Dude I love your channel!!! You have the best content! More dead malls across country please!

[@fleabittenadventures]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@AlexandriaMorgan]

this isn’t a dead mall

[@elavancin2913]

Grew up in JC NJ. Went to school across this mall at golden door charter school. Used to go on a daily to this mall with my friends aroung 04 and 05. Would share a plate at sharku japan and then sneak into the movies while ppl would come out from the exit. Such nostalgic moment watching this video!!! Thanks friend!!

[@neilyhoops]

I live in NJ. I think the first time I was at Newport Centre was in the early 90s. The last time I was there was probably 2002. I lived in North Jersey for a while, and it was a mall that had stuff that other malls didn't have. Also, even back in the day, the taxes were lower. I remember in the early 2000s helping my friend get a TV and a stereo home that he bought in Sears.

[@IsabelMarquez-xe1mm]

I have great memories of Newport Mall, I used to go there every weekend. SEARS, JC PENNY and STERNS were there since the Mall opened. In front of the elevator on the first floor it was a very nice fountain, I have a picture of it. On the third floor it was a Carrusel, but in the 90's disappeared. CVS was on the first floor next to JC PENNY. After 911 it was very different, not too many people in the stores. The last time I went was in 2017, but it was not that empty like on this video. Going to Newport Mall since 1987-2017 was the best years of my life. 🙂

[@AlexandriaMorgan]

I love this mall as someone who lives in Jersey City! It’s very much still bustling and busy. The Cheesecake Factory that came in 2016 really solidified it as a spot people come to from Manhattan. It’s also literally steps away from the light rail and path train

[@KiloCreations]

Never been to New Jersey in my life but heard that one of last sears was here this mall does seem to have a sorta retro vibe I like it! When I get older Newport is on my list of places I might move to one day

[@JasonBranford]

Tom, great video 👍 ! Small point ... The area wasn't totally vacant before 1987. I remember shopping in a Sears store that was roughly in the same area as where the current parking garage stands. I bought a pair of boots there in 1981. I was 23 years old at the time, so it's a very clear memory.

[@toocoolforreel]

1997 was a common year for me when I frequented a lot of like one of these malls and still the closest one. Let's not forget the big movie theatre all the nearest retail spaces that we're and still located around these areas of the newport when it was still and is still abundant to this day!!!

[@davidgrace2951]

Worked in the building adjacent from 1998 to 2000. Used to go to this mall all the time fun times

[@viadharmawheel]

Worked in an adjacent building from 2001 to 2024. Remember going to it, actually parents used the parking lot in the 80s when it was like Fort Apache.

[@rachaelgoldman5846]

Also in the late 1990s there was a handcrafted and designed carousel on the third floor in the food court. It was one of the many details that made the mall special.

[@FONVash]

I could have sworn there was a fountain area in front of where the Uniqlo was by the elevator. It was a like a multi-tier fountain and we used it as a waiting point to regroup. Guess they removed it during the renovation you mentioned. Glad to see the Panda Express is still there though. Haven't been there since the early 2000s.

[@TocaCintaRecords]

yes there was one

[@rachaelgoldman5846]

Not Hudson Valley. Hudson County. I was at the opening of the mall in 1987.

[@diegoflores9237]

I'm watching this video as I shop online

[@JesusGal2cia]

I grew up in Jersey City and only moved to NYC three years ago. I’ve done a lot of shopping at this mall. This was the spot to hang out at (the food court) for my friends and other kids from the local high schools (04-08) My school was a short walk away. A lot has changed over the years that’s for sure. It’s way better now and looks more upscale. The mall is in a good spot for commuting and super close to NYC so it has a lot going for it.

[@retroguyretail1976]

found a ad when the mall opened also Rudy from the Cosby was there she's from NJ originally prob a few days after opening day but yea jay leno was there. the macy's was built new afterwards. i think they had to have a bigger store they got out of the spot that stern's once was thats how kohl's got in normally the rest of them in NJ are in strip centers throughout

[@williamborrelli2840]

I live in Hoboken which is about 10 minutes away from there. I go there on a regular basis about 3 to 4 times a month and it does get busy but not as much. It's usually busy when kids come out of school and people come from work. Weekends is little more cause everyone loves to go shopping or see a movie there or eat something. The original main stores was Macy's, Sears and J C Penny Kohls came in to the mall around 2017 I believe I might be wrong. Sears did close up in less than a year after you made this video. They officially closed March 12th of this year 2024 it will be turned into a Dave and Busters upstairs and Primark clothing store on first floor. This mall will be there 37yrs October of this year 2024. Most of those stores have closed though and have become new stores. The Burger King in food court and Johnny Rockets are no longer there they have since closed and is now Boom Fryer where Bk was and Shake Shack is in spot where Johnny Rockets was also taco bell is gone as well due to infestation of rodents.

[@andysorensen1737]

Where I am in Minnesota there is no sales tax on clothing. Consequently there’s a small niche of tourism (Especially around the Mall of America) where people will come and buy clothes simply for the tax savings.

[@chickenlurkinyungchihuahua]

The mall gets busy with New Yorkers on the weekends

[@MrEab2010]

I go there on occasion, not as much as I used to. It's a mall pretty much like any other mall except for the American Dream Mall in the Meadowlands which apparently has its own ski slope.

[@butwhytho4858]

Wow the size of that mall is insane. I think the issue is, the size vs the shoppers…. There’s a giant canyon between how many it was built for vs how many are there…

[@metacalm6951]

This is mall very close to lower Manhattan with three department stores, lower clothing taxes than NY and straight subway access. It gets a ton of patrons on weekends.

[@libatako]

It was very different back in the day….My mom used to take me there a lot in the 90s and it was very full (even weekdays). Really enjoyed going there, it had a KBs toy store and this really cool book shop in the lower level that was stocked with at the time the latest game guides.

[@butwhytho4858]

@@libatako I worked at Walden Books in our mall and LOVED that job. We were right next to a popular music store. My sister also worked at Gadzooks when it was still a trendy clothing and makeup store. It was great! Man I miss all that… That mall was expanded about 10 yrs before Covid shutdowns. After Covid, it hasn’t even gotten back to a fraction of its patrons. Luckily ours has a Kohl’s and TJMaxx/Homegoods and 5 below anchoring it, it inside is a Penny’s that’s likely shut down, a VS, B&B Works, and a shoe store.. other random places are around too, even a Starbucks, but the food court is vacant aside from a few Asian places that I don’t think anyone ever goes to.

[@Goldieslaxx9]

Every time we went to Newport it was busy.

[@Macsimus007]

@@libatako Ahh yea I remember those days. I used to spend hours in Electronics Boutique, and EBX just chatting it up with the guys that worked there. That's back when the movie theater had a bunch of arcade games out in front. The good old days.

[@HierophantParanormal]

This was our hangout in the 90s, we were there all the time. Moved away and haven't been there in 20+ years. It appears to be doing OK, but it isn't bringing the crowds it had in the 90s.

[@kawaiiafangirl]

Macy's is still pretty active. JC Penny's is kinda dying out, and even Sears pre-pandemic was almost like a ghost town. Apart from the department stores, I think Newport Mall has held up.

[@RDramatica]

I used to work at this mall at Express in the mid 2000’s. I lived in NYC Queens and I hated the travel. So happy when I was finally transferred to NYC. Also, the theft was horrendous. I couldn’t stand it, it was not my favorite place to be.

[@vibesz]

I’ve lived in jersey city since the late 80s. The mall got a makeover from what it began as. Today it has more high end shops compared to previously. Mainly due to its location being a gentrified high income area. Macys still occupies 2 floors. The area closed off in your video was the juniors section which may have been closed for renovation. Filenes basement was never located at a Macys location. Filenes was on the 1st floor where Cheesecake Factory is today. Sears has indeed closed since your video. The plan is that sears location will become a Dick’s store with a rock climbing wall. The mall is always busy with people. I love the diversity. Young,old,all races and ethnicities,all income brackets visit this mall. The only con is that you have to pay for parking at an hourly rate.

[@AriesSinquade]

Wow!!!The last time I was innthis mall was in 002/2003 and a massive brawl broke out on the second floor over someone buying a coat and it was the last one and the other guy wanted it...That mall.used to be packed whenever I went there,the last two things I bout from there was a red,black and white motorcycle 🏍 jacket and I bought a martial arts movie called Ooeratiin Scorpion 🦂 from Suncoast Video...✌🏾

[@Parfaitcookiestan67]

I love this mall

[@ffollari299]

I don’t… my car was broken into twice…haven’t been back since

[@ffollari299]

That parking lot is confusing and scary

[@rickberglund2134]

It’s strange to see Kohl’s in a mall, that company has a practice of not locating in malls.

[@MarineRecon6682]

Sioux packing Co was on that spot,thay got rid of that. That was vacant for quite a while full of rats and homeless.Then they built them all.I was there when they dynamited the packing company and then I was also there for opening day of the mall.I was a pipe fitter, then did work on them.All it was a major thing for the city.Very glad to see that it still looks like it's doing well.

[@FIatIined]

I left Jersey City back in 1991. This is not how I remember this mall. Lol Pavonia/Newport ....Exchange Place wasn't like how it is now all those big buildings...there no was lightrail... My God has it been that long?

[@PetertheShakeMan]

Lucky, the sales tax in my county is a little over 8% (I know, it's too much)

[@utuBrV1oI]

Can i assume this video was taken during school hours? - i see no kids here at all. If not, that is not a good thing! Odd about Paramus Park - Holisters was a VERY busy young people store there on saturday at least - was busier than the one at Garden State Plaza! & the whole mall was busy too. After it closed, Paramus Park became a dead mall! Very stupid thing to do to close that store. Imagine tho if they would have closed the one at GSP INSTEAD!

[@fleabittenadventures]

Yes. I think it was a Thursday, mid day

[@Goldieslaxx9]

So zinburger shut down?

[@larajones175]

Yes so sad . March of 2020 I believe.

[@retroguyretail1976]

yea I know it shutdown in my area

[@hollyconnelly8871]

i worked in newport tower 2001-2008, traveled the mall to and from work. i entered from the parking garage by the mcdonald's, got some coffee at the coffee beanery, got videos at suncoasts, bought games at EB and gamestop. the mall was so much busier back then after 20+ years i could only recognized a few stores like popeye's, sarku-japan