The Original Showcase at Sears Concept (2016)
In autumn 2016, Sears launched a new concept called “Showcase at Sears” — a shop-in-shop experience inside existing Sears locations. In New Jersey, two malls were selected to feature this concept: Woodbridge Center Mall and Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City.
What Was Showcase at Sears?
The concept introduced small fashion boutiques inside Sears stores, featuring European and Latin American apparel brands across 10,000 to 15,000 square feet. Each boutique offered men’s and women’s clothing, children’s clothing, shoes, and intimates — some brands appearing in the US for the first time.
Why Did Sears Close?
Sears had been struggling financially for over a decade before its eventual collapse. A combination of factors led to the bankruptcy filing in October 2018:
- Declining foot traffic as online shopping grew rapidly
- Years of underinvestment in store renovations and customer experience
- Heavy debt load from the 2005 merger between Sears and Kmart
- Increased competition from Amazon, Walmart, and specialty retailers
At the time of filing, Sears operated around 700 stores. By 2019, the vast majority had permanently closed.
Shopping at Woodbridge Center Mall & Newport Centre Mall Today
Both malls remain open and have welcomed new tenants in the spaces formerly occupied by Sears. If you’re planning a shopping trip in New Jersey, both are still worth a visit:
- Woodbridge Center Mall — Located in Woodbridge, NJ, this large regional mall continues to offer a strong mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
- Newport Centre Mall — Located in Jersey City, NJ, this mall is conveniently accessible from Manhattan via PATH train, making it popular with New York shoppers looking for tax-free clothing deals.
Original article published October 2016. Updated March 2026 to reflect the closure of Sears stores.
