Business & Tech
Freehold Mall Front-Row Parking For $5: Would You Pay It?
If you're looking to pop in and pop out on the weekends, the new parking option aims to help you do just that, a mall official says.
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Shoppers heading to Freehold Raceway Mall over the weekend were startled to find the mall charging for parking: $5, to be exact.
But before you get upset, mall officials want you to know a couple of things: It's only on weekends, and it's only at one entrance to the mall.
"A lot of people are calling for clarification," said Debra Panzarella, senior marketing manager for Freehold Raceway Mall. Social media chatter has been mixed. Some people like the idea; others believe it will drive away customers.
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Panzarella said the goal of the prime parking is to give people who are planning to make a quick stop at the mall the ability to park close, go in and get what they came for without having to hunt for parking.
"The intent is to be a valet-type convenience," she said.
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There are 60 spaces reserved for the prime parking and it's only in effect on weekends, Panzarella said. Four rows of 15 cars in front of the entrance between Macy's and Nordstrom by the carousel. Two parking spaces reserved for those who are handicapped will remain accessible at no cost, she said.
"It's only at one entrance," she said, adding the mall has 18 entrances in all. The mall has 6,000 spaces within the loop road that encircles the mall, and 9,000 parking spaces in all. Users would receive coupons for discounts at some of the mall's retailers.
On the weekends getting parking close can be very difficult, Panzarella said, which is why they decided to try the parking program in Freehold. They have similar offerings at other malls across the country, with mixed responses, she said.
"It's really about convenience for guests who choose to utilize it," Panzarella said. "If it's not used, it gets re-evaluated."
Freehold Raceway Mall offers valet parking during the Christmas shopping season and has for a few years with success.
What are your thoughts? Would you pay $5 for closer parking on a Saturday or Sunday? Let us know in the comments.
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The carousel entrance area at Freehold Raceway Mall is where prime parking for $5 is offered on weekends. Photo via Google Maps
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