Some Retro Photos of the Bergen Mall in Paramus, NJ

The Bergen Mall, which first opened its doors in 1957, holds a special place in the hearts of my family, even long after larger and more extravagant malls emerged on the scene. In its current incarnation as The Outlets at Bergen Town Center, the mall has undergone such a remarkable transformation that those who grew up frequenting its halls would hardly recognize it today. Reminiscing about the past, I recall reading an article in the local paper during the 1990s announcing plans for a major overhaul of the mall. Intrigued by the prospect of change, I decided to seize the opportunity and document the mall's original state by capturing some photographs.

Equipped with a camera, I ventured to the mall during what I considered to be the prime shopping hours. To my surprise, the once bustling mall appeared desolate, with only a fraction of its former foot traffic. The only area that seemed remotely crowded was the parking lot adjacent to the Shop Rite supermarket, bustling with activity. As I strolled through the quiet corridors, memories flooded back, and I couldn't help but notice the various light fixtures that adorned the ceilings, casting a warm glow upon the empty spaces. The lower level, which housed a well-known mall chapel, retained its distinct charm, reminiscent of a bygone era. However, what caught my attention most was the closed entrance to The Village Mall, a childhood favorite of mine. It was within those walls that I first discovered an abundance of role-playing game supplies that fueled my imagination and sparked countless adventures.

Recently, while sifting through my belongings, I stumbled upon a few of the photographs I had taken during that visit. Carefully scanning and preserving them, I was transported back in time, reliving the essence of the Bergen Mall's bygone era. In the spirit of nostalgia, I felt compelled to share these glimpses of the past with others. Rest assured, as I continue to unearth more of these precious photographs—recalling that I had taken two rolls during my visit—I will eagerly add them to this post, allowing us all to collectively reminisce about the cherished memories encapsulated within those fading images.