Nordstrom Rack will be opening a new location in Manalapan Commons in Spring 2025 at the former location of Bed Bath and Beyond.

The 26,000-square-foot store will join several popular retailers, including Target, Best Buy and Wegmans at the intersection of Route 9 and Craig Road.

The news was a welcomed surprise for local shoppers from the area. Nordstrom closed its luxury department store in the Freehold Raceway Mall, like many other anchor stores during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s so much online shopping, but there’s a lot of people like my generation who grew up shopping at malls, said Kathy Sodini, Manalapan. “Shopping at malls offers instant gratification whereas if you’re shopping online, you get some gratification ordering it online, but you have to wait for it to get there.”

According to Glen Mendez, founder of the Manalapan Business Association, 100,000 cars pass through that area of Route 9 daily. He expects that figure and economic impact to increase with the opening of the discounted designer store.

"Now they're going to have more reason besides Wegmans, PC Richards, Target and all of these wonderful stores in town. Plus all of our small businesses in town," said Mendez. "So we are thrilled to death."

According to Urban Edge Properties, the owner and manager of Manalapan Commons, several large tenants were interested in the space.

"Nordstrom Rack brings fashion to this center for the first time, broadening its appeal to the surrounding community," said Leigh Lyons, senior vice president of Leasing for Urban Edge.

There are currently four Nordstrom stores and nine Nordstrom Rack stores in the state, generating more than 1,500 jobs locally.

"We look forward to being a part of the Manalapan Township community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices," said Gemma Lionello, President of Nordstrom Rack Stores. "We're excited to grow our footprint in the region and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience."

When shoppers in the Manalapan Commons plaza were asked if they had concerns about increased traffic, none of them expressed concerns.

“They’re going to be packed. Everyone is going to be really excited. This is a great town for Nordstrom Rack,” said Manalapan resident Kim Vernaci.