WOODBRIDGE, NJ—Apparel retailer Wet Seal will open a short-term outlet in Woodbridge Center Mall on November 3, according to a company news release. 

New Jersey is just one of the nine U.S. states where Wet Seal will open a total of 13 pop-up locations for the gift-giving season, but only at General Growth Properties malls, which, as we reported, are hoping to combat high vacancy rates. 

The stores will range from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet and offer contemporary fashion and holiday gifts, the retailer said.

“We see an opportunity for additional brick and mortar locations during the peak holiday season,” Wet Seal CEO, Melanie Cox said, indicating that consumers have “reached out to request the return of Wet Seal” in various areas.

The California-based company defines itself as a specialty retailer of modern young women’s apparel and accessories, one that”offers trend-focused young women the opportunity to purchase the latest styles at attainable prices.”

Reminding consumers that physically going to stores provides a “significant role in the holiday-shopping experience,” General Growth’s Sandeep Mathrani, chief executive officer, also said the Wet Seal pop-ups are appearing for the first time in “new communities.”

However, Woodbridge Center previously had a Wet Seal which closed. 

Currently there are four Wet Seals located inside of Arden B. stores in New Jersey at: Menlo Park Mall (Edison), Freehold Raceway Mall (Freehold), Garden State Plaza (Paramus), and Newport Centre Mall (Jersey City). 

Still, a private equity firm bought Wet Seal in April 2015 after the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January of last year, following its announcement that it would shutter hundreds of stores. 

Other states where short-term Wet Seals will pop up in General Growth malls, include Pennsylvania, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Washington. 

Business Reporter at New Brunswick Today | dschatz@nb.today

Dave is an award-winning business reporter who has authored over 200 articles for New Brunswick Today.

Dave is an award-winning business reporter who has authored over 200 articles for New Brunswick Today.