Headline: Slime, Smiles and Some Retail Momentum: Slimeland Brings Hands‑On Fun to Deptford Mall — Just Minutes From I‑295
By Ari Williams, 295Times
If you’re rolling down I‑295 looking for a quick stop that’s kid‑friendly, affordable, and genuinely different from the usual mall fare, Deptford Mall just added something worth pulling off for. Slimeland — a hands‑on “slime bar” and party studio — recently opened a storefront in Deptford Mall (Deptford Township, Gloucester County) and it’s the sort of experiential retail that matters in our region: it gives families a reason to stop, helps fill mall walkways with customers, and plugs into a broader trend of malls reinventing themselves as activity hubs.
Where it sits and why that matters
Deptford Mall sits on the busy Route 42 / I‑295 corridor and is a short drive for commuters and families from exits serving Gloucester and neighboring counties (the mall is readily visible and mapped on Google Maps for anyone planning a visit). That makes Slimeland a convenient destination for parents who want a supervised activity that’s different from movies or arcades, without a long trip. Malls along major interstates have been leaning into experiential concepts — from pop‑up shops to escape rooms — to boost foot traffic, and Slimeland fits neatly into that strategy.
What Slimeland offers
Slimeland markets itself as an interactive experience: customers choose bases, colors and mix‑ins and build custom slime creations under staff guidance, and the store hosts birthday parties and group bookings. Those hands‑on experiences are exactly what draws today’s mall visitors — people looking to do, not just shop. Yelp reviews from other Slimeland locations (and local social posts) point to friendly staff and energetic setups, which helps when parents are comparing ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Local economic ripple effects
An active storefront isn’t just about the fun inside. When families come to Slimeland they often linger at the mall, boosting sales for neighboring small retailers and the food court. For Deptford Township and Gloucester County this kind of tenant matters: it helps sustain mall jobs (part‑time positions are typical), provides seasonal and weekend employment for teens and young adults, and creates new reasons for the mall to host community events. Local reporting on retail trends (see coverage on NJ.com and Patch) frequently notes that malls that add experiential tenants see steadier traffic and more repeat visits — both important as retail landscapes evolve.
A community asset, not just a novelty
Slimeland’s appeal is more than novelty. It fills a gap for low‑cost family entertainment that’s accessible to towns along I‑295 — from commuters to neighbors in Deptford, West Deptford, and Gloucester Township. Birthday packages and group events make it an option for local schools, daycares, and recreation programs looking for offsite activities; that’s an easy way for a small business to partner with community organizations and drive weekday business when malls traditionally see fewer customers.
What to expect when you go
Expect colorful stations, short, supervised DIY sessions, a selection of pre‑made slimes, and take‑home containers. Parents typically appreciate short‑form activities that are easy to fit into errands or shopping trips, and Slimeland’s model is designed for that. Parking at Deptford Mall is plentiful and entry is straightforward, which matters when you’re juggling car seats and craft supplies.
Bigger picture: what this means for Deptford Mall and I‑295 corridor towns
Slimeland’s arrival is a small but telling indicator of how suburban malls can stay relevant. Rather than relying only on traditional retail anchors, malls are diversifying: restaurants, fitness studios, entertainment spots and interactive boutiques are becoming the new foot-traffic drivers. For residents who live or commute along I‑295, that trend improves local retail resilience — and it gives families more reasons to spend time and money closer to home.
If you’re a nearby small business, or a township looking to boost daytime activity, Slimeland’s model provides a couple of takeaways: experiential tenants can attract a different, often younger, customer base; they create event opportunities; and they help knit the mall more tightly into community life.
Planning a visit
If you want to check it out, Deptford Mall’s location is easy to find on Google Maps, and local listings and reviews (including Yelp) can give you a sense of current hours, party offerings, and customer feedback. For the latest on mall openings, local development and community reactions, keep an eye on NJ.com and Patch’s regional coverage — and, of course, we’ll track how this and similar openings affect traffic and commerce along I‑295 exits that serve Gloucester County.
Why readers along I‑295 should care
Slimeland may look like a simple kids’ boutique, but for towns and commuters along I‑295 it represents a practical uptick in local amenities. It’s a family‑friendly stop that’s easy to reach, it adds variety to Deptford Mall’s tenant mix, and it’s part of a regional shift toward making our highway malls not just places to shop, but places to spend time. That keeps tax dollars, jobs, and community activities local — and for the folks who live off these exits, those are wins that stick.
If you’ve been by the mall lately or checked out Slimeland, drop a note — we’re always interested to hear how new businesses are changing the pulse of your exit, town, and county.
