Key Points:
- Paramus sues American Dream Mall over Sunday retail violations.
- Mall cites state-owned land as exemption.
- Case may redefine blue law enforcement and retail norms.
The Borough of Paramus has filed a lawsuit against the American Dream megamall, claiming that the retail complex has been openly violating Bergen County’s long-standing blue laws by operating stores on Sundays. The borough argues that the mall’s decision to allow Sunday retail shopping gives it an unfair advantage over local businesses that are legally required to stay closed.
In a detailed complaint submitted to the state Superior Court, Paramus alleges that American Dream has ignored the restrictions for “hundreds if not thousands” of Sundays. The lawsuit names not only the mall but also Bergen County, East Rutherford, and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, holding them accountable for allowing the operations to continue.
Paramus officials emphasized that when the mall was first proposed, its developers gave assurances that it would respect Bergen County’s retail restrictions. By breaking that agreement, the borough says the megamall is undermining both the rule of law and the balance of competition in one of the country’s busiest retail corridors.
Conflicting Views on Blue Laws
Bergen County is one of the last places in the United States where blue laws are still actively enforced, restricting Sunday sales of non-essential goods such as clothing, furniture, and electronics. Paramus takes these rules even further, prohibiting nearly all retail activity on Sundays.
American Dream initially abided by these restrictions after its opening in 2019. However, the mall began opening retail stores on Sundays in early 2024, sparking a wave of criticism from local leaders and competitors. Mall officials argue that the property sits on state-owned land near MetLife Stadium, where Sunday sales have long occurred during large events, and therefore is not subject to Bergen County’s restrictions.
Local officials counter that such exemptions were never intended to cover full-scale retail operations. Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco has reiterated that mall developers promised to comply with the rules, and breaking that commitment undermines the county’s authority.
For its part, American Dream has described the lawsuit as politically motivated, asserting that it is on solid legal ground and is confident the case will be dismissed.
Wider Implications for Retail and Community
The conflict goes beyond legal technicalities. Blue laws in Bergen County date back centuries and were reinforced in Paramus during the 1950s to reduce congestion and maintain community life when the area’s shopping malls were booming. Supporters argue that the restrictions provide residents and workers a guaranteed day of rest while keeping traffic under control in one of the state’s busiest retail hubs.
If the court sides with American Dream, it could weaken the enforcement of blue laws and potentially open the door for other retailers to demand similar exemptions. Such a decision may also reignite statewide debate over whether blue laws are outdated in a modern retail economy.
For now, the case highlights a clash between tradition and modern commerce, with Paramus determined to preserve a decades-old way of life while one of the nation’s largest shopping complexes pushes for more flexibility in how it operates.
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