Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

I have friends visiting NYC from overseas and they are staying at a hotel in Manhattan. They're really just coming to shop (cheaper here than in the UK) and see us for a bit. I said they'd be better off going to Jersey Gardens since it may be easier to get to and back for them since they are using public transportation (neither DH or I have vacation time left to take a day off to bring them ourselves and they are only going to be here a few days during the week). However my cousin that lives in NJ said that Jersey Gardens is not really that great in terms of safety. I dunno she didn't come outright and say it but she sort of made it sound like gangs of teens hang out there (hello it IS a mall!) but that it's just not a great place to spend more than say 1 hour there. I've never heard of that before but I don't know anyone that has been there in awhile myself. Then again my cousin is a bit of a snob and only shops at the Short Hills Mall so I wonder if she's just being snobby and that Jersey GArdens is fine. Anyone have any advice - should my friends be OK going there for a day or should they go to Woodbury Commons or Tanger? Thanks.

Message edited 10/31/2007 9:11:18 PM.

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

DH and i love jersey gardens!!!!

it doesnt have the fancy and expensive outlet stores like tangers does (ie- no coach, etc), but it's HUGE and indoors.
but there's gap, banana, ann taylor, tommy hilfiger, nautica, arerosoles, etc.

my advice is get there when it opens to beat the crowds.

You can spend hours there!

ETA:
we live in NJ, so it's easiest for us to get to JG than the other 2...

Message edited 10/31/2007 9:31:24 PM.

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

First off, Jersey Garden is in Elizabeth, near Ikea, so perhaps that's why there's the belief that it may not be safe. However if you're staying inside the mall, it should be fine.

I've been there several times so had never had a concern about safety. The shops are a combination of outlets and regular stores though.

If I had a choice between Tanger, JG or WC I would definitely go to WC first, then Tanger then JG.

:)

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

I don't really care for Jersey Gardens and prefer the Short Hills Mall too. Just curious though why only shopping at the Short Hills Mall would make one a snob?

BTW: They can take public transportation from NYC to either the Garden State Plaza (great mall!) or the Willowbrook Mall. There are buses from Port Authority that go there.

Message edited 10/31/2007 9:33:54 PM.

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

I live in Staten Island- VERY close to Jersey, so I frequent Jersey Gardens. I'll be honest- I love it there. You can really find some good buys but, unfortunately, it is a hit or miss. Sometimes when I go there, I come home with some really NICE things for great prices. Other times I could come home with nothing. The trick is to go there with an open mind. As far as safety is concerned, I never felt threatened. Ive gont there by myself quite a few times. Make sure you have a few hours to spend there because you can easily kill HOURS there. My favorite places are the Bebe outlet & Banana, There are so many other places to check out. I would definately give it a shot & go!

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

I used to go there all of the time when I lived in Hoboken.

I wouldn't say it wasn't safe - it's better to go on a weekday though if they can (since like every outlet place it gets mobbed on the weekends).

Their Banana Republic outlet is great!

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

My friends and I shop there a lot and never had a concern about safety. Their stores are OK. The mall/stores are kept clean but the bathrooms on the other hand

Tip, go in the AM for when they open, especially on weekends. Less crowded and the teens are usually still sleeping.

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

JG is totally safe. I would never think it was not safe. Although it is an outlet mall. Short Hills is a full priced upscale mall. I know europeans comes to the states because the dollar is so weak, america is on sale for them. I would send them to short hills or woodbury-- they will enjoy it more. JG is more for us looking for deals-- and it can be hit or miss.

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

I would send them to the Garden State Plaza or Short Hills Mall. I just think there is more variety if they are coming all the way to NJ. Jersey Gardens is safe but I feel somewhat limited in variety.

I mostly shop at the Short Hills Mall because it's convenient and less than 5 miles from my house. Shopping at the Short Hills Mall does not make someone a snob.

Re: Does anyone know anything about Jersey Gardens?

Ask your friends what they are looking to buy.

I don't think Jersey Gardens is unsafe at all and you can get some decent deals, but if they are looking to shop for high end luxury brands they are better off at the Short Hills Mall.

For the record I totally agree with the other posters that shopping at the Short Hills Mall doesn't make you a snob.