Deptford Township, New Jersey

to the Pocono Mountains, less than two hours to New York City – we’re right in the center of it all.” In all, there are over 500 retail stores spread out around Deptford Township, from mom and pop businesses to Lowe’s and Home Depot (100,000-sq.-ft. box stores). In the absence of a downtown main street, the Mall has become the business hub. The obvious problem is: How do you control all that traffic? Medany replies, “Well, we don’t have problems in Deptford, we have issues. And after Thanksgiving, we have a traffic issue, but to be honest, through working with the state and the Mall and our own local road program, we solved a lot of those challenges. Because it’s a big deal for us, giving folks easy access here; getting them in and out of town without them being stuck in traffic jams.” Deptford Township’s retail-based economy grew up around the Deptford Mall, arguably one of the most successful indoor malls in this region, if not the east coast, because it’s usually 100-percent occupied. With the rise of online shopping, however, it became clear that economic diversity was in order. So, they looked at different uses, starting with entertainment. “We wanted people to come to the mall area for another reason than just shopping,” says Medany. “With entertainment, we thought families would bring the kids down. So, four years ago, we added an indoor Launch Trampoline Park –a franchise some NFL football players started – they hold parties there, and it’s very successful. That was a big catch for us, when they decided to move to Deptford. Since then, we’ve attracted a brand new movie theater, that has full planning board approval.” Then, the Township branched out into the medical sector. It was fortunate to team up with the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, a world renowned pediatric center, that four years ago moved into a 50,000-sq.-ft. building, just a quarter of a mile from the Mall. And now, Inspira Medical Group has full planning approval for a 50,000-sq.-ft. medical center. Dining establishments in the area are booming, seven days a week. There are chain restaurants, privately- owned restaurants – a great variety of cuisine from DEPTFORD TOWNSHI P , NEW JERSEY