the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Borough of Paramus officials are exploring a potential lawsuit against American Dream, the Meadowlands megamall, for operating retail stores on Sundays in violation of Bergen County’s historic Blue Laws. The mall has reportedly been defying these laws for nearly a year, multiply news outlets sparking outrage among local leaders and residents.
Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza
“Being mayor of Paramus, I know how important the Blue Laws are to our way of life and the peacefulness of Sundays,” he said in an interview. “[It gives us] the ability to move around town, the ability for our emergency services to have less calls and regroup. As mayor, I’m going to fight like heck for Paramus and the county as a whole.”
Understanding Bergen County’s Blue Laws
Bergen County’s Blue Laws, among the last of their kind in the United States, have prohibited the sale of nonessential goods—like furniture, appliances, and clothing—on Sundays since the 17th century. While grocery stores and pharmacies are exempt, the laws have long been a cornerstone of local culture, particularly for Paramus residents.
Supporters of the Blue Laws value the one day of reduced traffic in a town that otherwise endures congestion from its four major malls.
Mayor Chris DiPiazza Speaks Out
Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza expressed frustration, stating that American Dream’s Sunday retail operations create an “unlevel playing field” for local businesses that adhere to the laws.
“Our businesses are now at a disadvantage,” DiPiazza said. “The Blue Laws are integral to our way of life and the peacefulness of Sundays. I’m going to fight like heck for Paramus and Bergen County.”
DiPiazza confirmed that borough officials are consulting with attorneys to explore legal action. They have also reached out to state and county representatives for support.
American Dream’s Sunday Operations
Despite the backlash, American Dream has maintained its stance. Last week, Don Ghermezian, CEO of Triple Five, the Canadian company behind the megamall, stated:
“We’re ecstatic that our extensive list of offerings operates on Sundays, allowing everyone to enjoy the very best of American Dream whenever they want.”
Paramus officials and Bergen County residents see this as a direct affront to their community standards. DiPiazza described it as a “slap in the face” to Paramus and the county as a whole.
Competing Malls Stay Silent
Other Paramus malls, including Westfield Garden State Plaza, Bergen Town Center, and Paramus Park, have adhered to the Blue Laws. Westfield Garden State Plaza confirmed that only its entertainment and dining venues, such as AMC Theatres, Pinstripes, and the Food Court District, operate on Sundays in compliance with the law.
What’s Next?
As Paramus officials weigh their legal options, the community is rallying to uphold the Blue Laws, which they see as vital to maintaining their quality of life. The controversy raises questions about how longstanding traditions will hold up against modern business interests in an ever-evolving retail landscape.
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That law is so outdated, it’s such bullshit, it’s hurting so many bergen county businesses. I understand Sunday is a rest day, church day, but the whole world is changing and nothing is stopping because people are just going to another county to spend their money. It should be your option to be open or closed. If I’m paying big money for rent, I would like to open up on a Sunday. What should I lose a lot of money because I’m forced not to open, it’s ridiculous and then my businesses are dead Monday and Tuesday Wednesday I would rather be open on a Sunday and close Monday.
YEAH.
I agree.
Only follow laws you like.
Yeah, OK that’s how smart. They are in Paramus. Why don’t you open your damn stores so the owners of the stores can make some money on a Sunday. They’re losing big money on a Sunday to all the counties that stores are open, it’s just a short little ride to wear. The stores are open. So an owner of a store in Paramus is closed on a Sunday loses out big time, and on a Monday and Tuesday the stores are dead hopefully, they’ll be busy Thursday, Friday Saturday and if the weather is terrible, they’re doomed. I hear this from many store owners in Paramus. So stop the Lord needs to be changed. It’s not 1960 anymore in Paramus is not a tab anymore, we used to be farmland in a few stores now it’s a city a few people that put thumbs down, well, your head must be up your ass, or you should spit on your thumb and slide that up your ass and wake up obviously you’re not a store owner.
If you own the store, you should have the option to open up on a Sunday
Bergen a blue law bullshit.