Garden State Plaza Opening Hours: Complete Guide for Visitors

Introduction

If you’re planning a visit to Garden State Plaza, one of the largest shopping destinations in Paramus, New Jersey, knowing the exact opening hours is essential. This comprehensive guide provides current, accurate information on Garden State Plaza opening hours, including regular schedules, holiday and special event hours, COVID-19 related changes, and parking and transportation details. Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, heading out for dining, or seeking customer services, this guide will help you plan your visit efficiently and avoid surprises.

This article covers the current regular opening hours by day, variations for special events such as Black Friday, holiday schedules during peak shopping seasons, and temporary closures or adjustments due to health guidelines. We’ll also explore parking availability relative to mall hours, store-specific hours within the plaza, and provide official contact information to verify details before your visit. Finally, discover nearby amenities and dining options that operate during mall hours to enhance your experience.

Garden State Plaza Regular Opening Hours

The shopping center, managed by Simon Property Group, generally follows a consistent weekly schedule to accommodate the diverse needs of shoppers and visitors.

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

These hours apply to the mall common areas and most stores. However, some anchor stores or specialty shops might have slightly different opening and closing times.

Store and Service Variations

Individual stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, or Apple may open earlier or close later than the mall’s common hours. For example:

Department stores often open as early as 9:30 AM.
Food court vendors and restaurants may have extended hours until 10:00 PM or later on weekends.

To avoid inconvenience, check specific store hours via the Garden State Plaza website or directly contact the store.

Actionable Insight: Use the official Simon Property Group website or their mobile app to view real-time store hours and special offers before your visit.

Holiday and Special Event Hours

During peak periods such as the Holiday Shopping Season and Black Friday, Garden State Plaza adjusts its hours to accommodate increased shopper traffic.

Thanksgiving Day: The mall is typically closed.
Black Friday: Extended hours, often opening as early as 6:00 AM and closing at 11:00 PM.
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: Mall hours may be shortened, usually closing by 6:00 PM.
Other Holidays (Easter, Labor Day, Memorial Day): Hours may be reduced, commonly from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Special event hours are also announced for sales or community events. Always check ahead to confirm.

Tip: Subscribe to Garden State Plaza’s newsletter or follow their social media channels for timely holiday hours and event announcements.

COVID-19 and Temporary Hour Changes

The COVID-19 Pandemic prompted temporary changes in retail hours nationwide, including Garden State Plaza.

While restrictions have eased, some COVID-related protocols have influenced operating hours, cleaning schedules, and store capacities in the past. Currently, Garden State Plaza has resumed normal hours but recommends checking for:

Any temporary closures of specific stores.
Adjusted hours for food courts or entertainment venues.

Official updates are available on the Simon Property Group website and New Jersey government resources.

Proactive Step: Before visiting, verify if there are any temporary hour changes or health guidelines that might affect your plans.

Parking and Transportation Related to Opening Hours

Garden State Plaza offers ample parking with multiple lots accessible during mall hours.

Parking lots open typically 30 minutes before mall opening and close 30 minutes after mall closing.
Valet parking is available during peak hours and special events.
Public transportation options include NJ Transit bus routes serving the mall with schedules aligning closely with mall hours.

Parking Tips:

Arrive early during holiday seasons to secure convenient parking.
Use the Garden State Plaza parking app feature to locate available spots in real time.

Contact Information and Official Sources for Updates

For the most reliable information about Garden State Plaza hours, contact customer service or consult official platforms:

Customer Service Phone: (201) 368-8200
Official Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/garden-state-plaza
Simon Property Group Mobile App: Features store directories and hour updates.

Using official sources ensures you avoid outdated or incorrect hour information.

Nearby Amenities and Dining Options During Open Hours

Garden State Plaza features a variety of dining options to complement your shopping experience.

Food court hours usually mirror the mall but can extend later on weekends.
Sit-down restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory or Maggiano’s Little Italy offer extended dining hours, often open until 10:00 PM or later.

Nearby amenities include:

Family lounges and play areas.
Charging stations and free Wi-Fi throughout the mall.
Accessibility services for visitors with disabilities.

Planning your visit around these services can enhance comfort and convenience.

How I’d Do It: Planning Your Visit Based on Opening Hours

Check the official Garden State Plaza website or app for the latest mall and store-specific opening hours.
Confirm holiday or special event hours if planning a visit during peak seasons.
Review parking availability and transit options aligned with your arrival and departure times.
Make dining reservations or note operating hours if you plan to eat at on-site restaurants.
Call customer service for any last-minute questions or special requirements.

This step-by-step approach minimizes surprises and maximizes your shopping efficiency.

Common Pitfalls When Checking Garden State Plaza Hours

Relying on third-party websites or outdated apps that may not reflect current hours.
Ignoring variations in store-specific hours, especially for anchor stores.
Overlooking holiday or special event modifications leading to unexpected closures.
Not verifying parking lot operating times, which can differ from mall hours.

Avoid these by always referencing official sources.

Checklist for Visitors

[ ] Verify current Garden State Plaza mall hours.
[ ] Confirm store-specific opening times.
[ ] Check holiday or event schedules.
[ ] Review parking lot opening hours.
[ ] Look up public transportation schedules.
[ ] Note dining and amenity hours.
[ ] Save customer service contact info.

Recommended Tools and Metrics

Simon Property Group Mobile App: Real-time updates on store hours and parking.
Google Maps: Updated business hours and user reviews.
NJ Transit Website: Bus schedules to the mall.
Garden State Plaza Newsletter: For special events and hour changes.

Using these tools helps optimize your visit and stay informed.

FAQs About Garden State Plaza Opening Hours

What are the regular Garden State Plaza opening hours?

Garden State Plaza generally opens from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. Individual stores and restaurants may have varied hours.

Are the hours different during holidays?

Yes, holidays like Black Friday feature extended hours, often starting as early as 6:00 AM. Other holidays may have reduced hours or closures. Always check ahead for holiday-specific schedules.

Has COVID-19 affected Garden State Plaza hours?

During the pandemic, hours were temporarily reduced or stores closed. Currently, regular hours are restored, but it’s wise to verify if any temporary changes exist before visiting.

How can I find store-specific hours?

Use the official Garden State Plaza website or the Simon Property Group app, which provide detailed hours for each retailer and dining option.

When do parking lots open and close?

Parking lots typically open 30 minutes before the mall and close 30 minutes after. Valet and special event parking may have different schedules.

Key Takeaways

Garden State Plaza’s regular hours are 10:00 AM–9:00 PM (Mon-Sat) and 11:00 AM–7:00 PM (Sun).
Holiday and special event hours vary; Black Friday and holiday seasons often have extended or reduced hours.
COVID-19 caused temporary hour adjustments, but current hours are mostly normal.
Parking availability aligns closely with mall hours, with options for valet and public transit access.
Always verify store-specific hours and use official resources like the Simon Property Group website.

References

By following this guide, shoppers and visitors can confidently plan their trips to Garden State Plaza, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience at New Jersey’s premier retail destination.