What Happened to Ocean County Mall?
Ocean County Mall, a super-regional shopping center in Toms River, New Jersey, has evolved significantly since its opening in 1976. While maintaining its status as the only enclosed mall in Ocean County, it has undergone major renovations and redevelopments, particularly transforming its former Sears anchor space into a 'lifestyle center' with new retail, dining, and fitness options. The mall continues to adapt to changing retail landscapes, though it recently experienced a reported shooting incident on March 26, 2026.
Quick Answer
Ocean County Mall, located in Toms River, New Jersey, is a super-regional shopping center that opened in 1976 and is currently managed by Simon Property Group. In recent years, it has focused on redevelopment, notably converting its former Sears anchor store into a 'lifestyle center' with new tenants like LA Fitness, Ulta Beauty, and HomeSense, and adding new stores such as Honeygrow and JD Sports. As of March 26, 2026, the mall was the site of a reported shooting incident where a 17-year-old was allegedly shot, leading to a heavy police presence.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Ocean County Mall Opens
The Ocean County Mall opens to the public in Toms River, New Jersey, developed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation and Corporate Property Investors, with original anchors JCPenney and Sears.
Bamberger's Opens
Bamberger's, another key anchor store, opens at the mall.
Bamberger's Becomes Macy's
Bamberger's department store is converted to Macy's.
Mall Expansion and Stern's Addition
A small expansion is built, adding more mall space and a Stern's department store.
Stern's Closes, Replaced by Boscov's
Stern's closes as the chain folds, and the space is later taken over by Boscov's.
Major Mall Renovation
The mall undergoes a complete renovation, including new signage, flooring, lighting, and seating areas, partially sponsored by Deborah Heart and Lung Center.
Sears Announces Closure
Sears announces that its Ocean County Mall location will be closing in early April as part of a nationwide store closure plan.
Sears Closes Permanently
The Sears department store, an original anchor, officially closes its doors at the Ocean County Mall.
Sears Redevelopment Approved
The Toms River Planning Board approves plans to demolish the former Sears building and redevelop the space into a 'Lifestyle Center' with new retail, restaurants, and a fitness center.
Redevelopment Details Released
Mall management releases details for the Sears redevelopment, announcing new tenants including LA Fitness, Ulta Beauty, and HomeSense, with BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse already open.
New Tenants Open in Redeveloped Sears Space
LA Fitness, Five Below, Ulta Beauty, and HomeSense open in the redeveloped area of the former Sears space, marking a significant shift in the mall's offerings.
Five New Stores Announced
The mall announces the upcoming addition of five new stores: Honeygrow, Co-Cool Smoothie and Bubble Tea, JD Sports, Lovisa, and Glitter and Glam.
Champs Sports Closes
Champs Sports, a longtime footwear retailer, closes its Ocean County Mall location as part of a nationwide strategy by its parent company, Foot Locker.
Stabbing Rumors Debunked
Rumors of a stabbing at the mall on the day after Christmas spread on social media but are debunked by authorities, who confirm a brief altercation between two teenage girls with no weapons involved.
Reported Shooting Incident
A shooting is reported at the Ocean County Mall, with initial reports indicating a 17-year-old was shot near Applebee's. Heavy police presence is noted, and the Toms River Police Department has not yet issued an official statement.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Ocean County Mall opened its doors on July 20, 1976, in Toms River, New Jersey, a joint venture by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation and Corporate Property Investors. It quickly became a vital retail hub for the rapidly growing Ocean County, which previously lacked a large enclosed shopping center. Original anchor stores included JCPenney, Sears, and Bamberger's, which later became Macy's in 1986.
Throughout its history, the mall has adapted to retail trends. A significant expansion in 1988 added a Stern's department store, which was later replaced by Boscov's in 2001 after Stern's ceased operations. A major renovation in 2003 updated the mall's interior with new signage, flooring, lighting, and seating areas, aiming to modernize its appeal and even encourage mall walking through a partnership with Deborah Heart and Lung Center.
A pivotal turning point occurred with the decline of traditional department stores. Sears, an original anchor, announced its closure in January 2018 and officially closed in April 2018. This presented a significant challenge and opportunity for mall owner Simon Property Group. The Toms River Planning Board approved extensive redevelopment plans in October 2018 to transform the 104,000-square-foot former Sears space into a multi-tenant 'lifestyle center.' This redevelopment aimed to diversify the mall's offerings beyond traditional retail, incorporating dining, entertainment, and fitness. By 2020, new tenants such as LA Fitness, Five Below, Ulta Beauty, and HomeSense had opened in the redeveloped area, creating a new entrance and plaza designed to be a more walkable and comfortable environment.
Recent developments indicate the mall's continued evolution. In September 2023, several new stores were announced, including Honeygrow, Co-Cool Smoothie and Bubble Tea, JD Sports, Lovisa, and Glitter and Glam, reflecting a trend towards diverse retail and experiential offerings. However, the mall also saw the closure of Champs Sports in January 2024 as part of a nationwide strategy by its parent company, Foot Locker. Despite these changes, the Ocean County Mall remains a significant commercial and social center for the region, often noted for its consistent foot traffic.
Most recently, on March 26, 2026, the Ocean County Mall was the scene of a reported shooting incident. Initial reports indicated a 17-year-old was shot near the Applebee's restaurant, leading to a substantial police response. Details were still emerging, and the Toms River Police Department had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. This event marks a serious and immediate concern for the mall's safety and public perception.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ocean County Mall made different choices?