[2] The mall benefited from the migration of population in Northern New Jersey to suburban and exurban areas, and the exodus of shoppers and stores from downtown Newark, once Northern New Jersey's premiere shopping mecca that was in serious decline since the July 1967 race riots.

Both Bamberger's and Hahne & Co. had massive flagship stores in downtown Newark at the time of the mall opening.

Sears also had a store on Elizabeth Avenue in Newark's once popular South Ward.

On February 6, 2020, it was announced Sears would shutter as part of an ongoing decision to eliminate its traditional brick-and-mortar format.

[7] On August 20, 2020, it was announced that Lord & Taylor would also be closing 24 stores nationwide as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.