American Dream set to reopen entertainment, open retail Oct. 1. Just how much isn’t as clear

    American Dream announced Thursday it will be opening its retail and reopening its indoor entertainment Oct. 1. The announcement, however, was short on specifics.

    American Dream officials would not reveal numbers on how many retail stores would be opening, saying only that they will be releasing more information closer to the opening. How either the retail or the entertainment can survive on just 25% capacity — the limit set by Gov. Phil Murphy, as of Thursday — is unclear as well.

    This much we do know: H&M, Primark and ZARA will open their American Dream locations for the first time Oct. 1 — the day DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe, Out of This World Blacklight Mini Golf and The Rink will reopen.

    Big SNOW American Dream opened Tuesday.

    American Dream, located in the Meadowlands, bills itself as the ultimate family destination, which includes entertainment, retail and food options. The concept has been on the drawing board for the better part of two decades, with numerous starts and stops and owners.

    The release said announcements about additional openings and new experiences will be released soon. In addition, it said — to ensure the safety of guests — all attractions and retailers will observe reduced attendance levels and extensive health and safety protocols.

    Here are some things guests can expect upon their return to American Dream:

    • Face coverings required for entry;
    • Reduced capacities throughout the complex and within each of the open attractions;
    • Increased sanitizing and disinfecting throughout common areas and attractions;
    • Hand sanitizer stations and hygiene reminders installed throughout the complex;
    • Physical distancing guidance, including ground markings, Plexiglas barriers, touchless programming and more.

    Because the attractions will be operating at reduced capacities, American Dream officials strongly encourage and advise guests to book their trip in advance of their visit at www.americandream.com to purchase tickets.

    In the statement, co-CEO Don Ghermezian thanked Murphy and a host of others.

    “We’d like to thank Gov. Murphy, his administration, the New Jersey Department of Health, our legislative delegation, (Bergen) County Executive Jim Tedesco and his team, and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority for their collective efforts throughout this process to get to a safe reopening,” Ghermezian said.

    Co-CEO Mark Ghermezian thanked the employees and the patrons.

    “We also want to thank our guests and team members for their patience and loyalty while we were closed,” he said in the statement. “We know that our community has been waiting to return, but it was important to us that we took the proper time and precautions needed to welcome guests back in the safest possible manner.

    “The last several months have been difficult for everyone, and, even though we are still adjusting to the new normal, we are confident that we can provide guests a safer environment to make dreams come true for everyone, everywhere, as well as create much needed job opportunities in New Jersey.”