the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, More than two months after first raising concerns, Paramus officials are still preparing a potential lawsuit against the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, alleging violations of Bergen County’s long-standing blue laws that prohibit most Sunday retail sales.
While no lawsuit has been officially filed yet, Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza confirmed on Friday that the borough’s legal team is actively drafting the litigation. “Our attorneys are doing their due diligence,” DiPiazza said. “We don’t have a definitive timeline, but legal action is still very much on the table.”
🛍️ Sunday Shopping Controversy at American Dream
The legal threat stems from reports that shops at the American Dream mall have been quietly operating on Sundays for nearly a year—despite Bergen County’s blue laws, which restrict sales of nonessential items such as:
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Clothing
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Furniture
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Electronics
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Appliances
The laws, dating back to the 17th century, have been upheld by Bergen County voters and remain particularly strict in Paramus, one of the state’s top retail hubs. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services are exempt.
In January 2025, following a report by The Record and NorthJersey.com, Paramus officials accused the mall of creating an unfair advantage for itself at the expense of neighboring towns that must enforce the blue laws.
🗣️ Mayor: “A Slap in the Face to Paramus Residents”
Mayor DiPiazza did not mince words in his initial response.
“American Dream’s decision to open on Sundays is a slap in the face to the residents of Paramus and Bergen County as a whole,” DiPiazza said.
“Businesses in town are now at a disadvantage, breaking a level playing field that’s existed for decades.”
🏟️ Mall Argues It’s Exempt Due to State-Owned Land
The American Dream mall, operated by Triple Five Group, contends that it’s not bound by Bergen County laws because it sits on state-owned property at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
In a previous statement, CEO Don Ghermezian defended the mall’s operations:
“We’re ecstatic that our extensive list of offerings operates on Sundays,” Ghermezian said. “It allows everyone to enjoy the very best of American Dream whenever they want.”
The mall likened its Sunday sales to MetLife Stadium, which also operates on Sundays and sells merchandise during NFL games.
🧑⚖️ What’s Next in the Legal Battle?
While no suit has yet been filed, the Mayor confirmed that Paramus attorneys are actively researching the legal framework and finalizing the language of the potential complaint.
This could set up a significant legal battle between the borough and one of New Jersey’s largest retail and entertainment destinations, with implications for:
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Retail fairness in Bergen County
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Enforcement of blue laws on public vs. private land
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Sunday operations for state-leased commercial entities
🏬 Bergen County Blue Laws: A Controversial Tradition
The blue laws remain a unique feature of Bergen County, offering a rare Sunday respite from the otherwise fast-paced retail environment of North Jersey. Proponents say the laws:
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Reduce traffic congestion
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Offer a day of rest for workers
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Preserve the character of local communities
Opponents argue they are outdated and hurt business. The debate has resurfaced in recent years as malls and shopping centers push for more flexible operating hours to compete in a post-pandemic retail landscape.
📰 Stay Tuned
The American Dream vs. Paramus legal showdown could shape how retail laws are enforced in New Jersey, especially for businesses operating on state-owned land.
Stay with us for updates on the filing of the lawsuit, legal arguments, and responses from both sides of the controversy.
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This could backfire in a big way.
Paramus has no shame…