Jersey Gardens: Tax-Free Outlet Shopping Near New York
Jersey Gardens is a major outlet mall in New Jersey with over 200 stores and a huge tax advantage: just 3.5% sales tax (0% on clothing) compared to 8.125% in New York. Here's what you need to know.

Why Visit Jersey Gardens Outlet?
- The Mills at Jersey Gardens, commonly known as Jersey Gardens, is a large outlet mall located in Elizabeth, a small town south of Newark Airport.
- Its remote location is actually its biggest advantage. Jersey Gardens sits across the bay from New York but in New Jersey, a state with a much more favorable tax system.
- Here’s the difference: New Jersey charges 3.5% sales tax on most items and 0% on clothing. Compare that to New York outlets like Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets or Empire Outlet on Staten Island, which charge 8.125% on most products. Clothing and shoes are taxed at 4% only on purchases over $110.
What Brands Are at Jersey Gardens?
- Jersey Gardens is New Jersey’s largest outlet mall, with over 200 stores. That’s fewer than Woodbury Commons’ 250, but twice as many as Empire Outlet on Staten Island. You’ll have plenty to keep you busy for a full day.
- Before you head to New Jersey, check the brand list to see if you’ll find what you’re looking for. Here are 40 major names in alphabetical order:
- Abercrombie & Fitch Outlet.
- Adidas.
- American Eagle.
- Armani Exchange.
- Banana Republic Factory.
- Burlington.
- Calvin Klein.
- Century 21.
- Columbia.
- Converse.
- Crocs.
- Disney Outlet.
- Foot Locker.
- Gap Factory.
- Guess.
- H&M.
- Hugo Boss Outlet.
- Hollister.
- Karl Lagerfeld.
- Lacoste.
- Lego.
- Levi’s.
- Michael Kors.
- Nautica.
- New Balance.
- Nike Factory Store.
- Old Navy.
- Polo Ralph Lauren.
- Puma Outlet.
- Quicksilver.
- Reebok.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.
- Samsonite. Handy if you need to buy a large suitcase after a big shopping haul! 🙂
- Sephora.
- Swarovski.
- Timberland.
- Under Armour.
- Uniqlo.
- Victoria’s Secret.
- Plus the largest Tommy Hilfiger store in the United States.
- The outlet also has a food court with Burger King, Dunkin’ Donuts, Häagen-Dazs, Johnny Rockets, Starbucks and Sbarro.
How to Get to Jersey Gardens
As mentioned, this mall is located in a remote area across the bay from New York with no subway access. Here’s the simplest way to get there:
Jersey Gardens by Bus
- This is the most economical option. Take bus 111 from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic. Get off at the Jersey Gardens – Main Entrance stop.
- The fare is $8 per trip, so $16 for a round trip. You can buy a round-trip ticket at Port Authority or online at njtransit, New Jersey’s transit authority website.
