New Jersey malls are also notorious for their drama and the $5 billion behemoth opening 8 miles west of Manhattan - complete with its 450 shops and restaurants, amusement parks, ice rink and ski area - is likely going to carry the torch of that tradition forward. 

There's still skepticism about the mall's location and long-term viability, however, especially since the project has hit endless setbacks and hangups since first being conceptualized 17 years ago, long before the current "age of Amazon". 

Retail historian Michael Lisicky said: "I looked at it almost like a freak show when it was under construction. This is the American dream, having what looks like a dog's breakfast in the middle of the Meadowlands, that is of questionable ecological health? Then topping it off with a retail component closed on Sundays?"