$10 ‘Premier’ Parking Plan Abandoned at Deptford Mall

Would you pay $10 to park close to a mall's doors? Shoppers at one New Jersey mall said no way.

NJ Advance Media reported that the Deptford Mall launched a “Premier Parking” program, charging $10 for reserved spots near the mall's entrances. The spaces were marked with signs and QR codes that directed customers to a website. There, they could enter a license plate and time slot before paying to park in the reserved spots near the front door.

Mall officials did not announce when the program began.

Criticism about the parking program from social media emerged in late August during back-to-school shopping. Customers expressed dissatisfaction over the $10 fee for reserved premium parking spaces. Many criticized the idea of paying for parking at a mall, mainly since the reserved spots often remained empty during the week.

The reserved parking spots accounted for fewer than 50 of the mall's thousands of parking spots. They were located near accessible spaces and areas reserved for individuals with disabilities, military personnel, and expectant mothers, which remained free.

Macerich, the Phoenix-based owner of the Deptford Mall in Gloucester County, announced this month that it would phase out its paid parking program after receiving significant negative feedback from shoppers, tenants, and the community.

“Deptford Mall greatly values the feedback of our shoppers, tenants, and community, and after thoughtful consideration, we've decided to phase out the Premier Parking program at this time,” the company said in a statement to NJ Advance Media.

It further stated that the spaces were “an optional convenience for shoppers, especially during the busy holiday season.”