Three South Jersey destinations for shopaholics

For many in the Philadelphia region, South Jersey is a popular shopping hub. Loaded with enough options to satisfy even the most voracious shopaholic, the area is just minutes from Philadelphia — a much quicker trip than hauling out to the King of Prussia Mall.

Shoppers can hunt for consumer quarry of all species in South Jersey: high-end or bargain-basement; brand spanking new or previously loved; artisanal goods or internationally renowned marques.

And best of all, New Jersey does not charge sales tax on clothing. Yes, you read that correctly!

To help you find your way around, here are some of the best places to shop in some of South Jersey’s nearby towns.

Haddonfield

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind merchandise and a charming ambiance, look no further than the tony suburb of Haddonfield. What Haddonfield lacks in size, it more than makes up for with a collection of great stores conveniently clustered around the town’s main thoroughfare.

Walkable, even with one (or 10!) shopping bags in tow, Haddonfield’s Kings Highway downtown area counts more than 200 shops, restaurants and galleries.

Cute boutiques and smaller stores are Haddonfield’s claim to fame, but don’t let that fool you into thinking the goods on offer won’t impress. Over just a few blocks, shoppers can find opulent jewelry, decadent foodstuffs and fine home goods, rustic antiques, top-of-the-line athletic wear, fashionable clothing for men and women and toys and games for the kids. And when all that shopping gets your stomach growling, pop into one of Haddonfield’s gourmet restaurants or chic cafes for a delicious bite.

For Philadelphians who don’t own a car, the PATCO high-speed line runs from Center City to downtown Haddonfield in just 25 minutes. No cab required.

Cherry Hill

For trendsetters and fashionistas, Cherry Hill has plenty of options to keep you looking runway-ready. The Cherry Hill Mall is home to outposts from some of the world’s top brands, like Coach, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, American Apparel and Armani Exchange, along with branches of Nordstrom’s, J.C. Penney’s and Macy’s.

In total, the mall features more than 150 stores, including Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and Banana Republic, that make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to add some pep to their wardrobe.

After decking out themselves, shoppers can hop down the road to the Market Place at Garden State Park to outfit their home and their pantries. In addition to several restaurants, including a Cheesecake Factory, the Market Place is home to a Best Buy, a Bed Bath & Beyond and a Home Depot, and offers everything you need to make your home a castle. And the mega-supermarket Wegman’s is a favorite of Philadelphia epicures looking to stock their fridges before heading back to the city.

Voorhees

Shoppers on the prowl for a little bit of everything can cruise on over to Voorhees, New Jersey, to find a pleasant mix of national chains and smaller, local purveyors. Fresh from its 2007 facelift, the Voorhees Town Center now features 50 shops housed in a bright, airy space. Boscov’s and Macy’s department stores anchor the Town Center, and offer shoppers several floors of home goods, clothing, accessories, and more.

For famished fashion seekers, the Voorhees Town Center is also home to many delicious restaurants serving cuisines from around the world.

Just a few minutes down the road is Voorhees’ Eagle Plaza, which boasts a wide assortment of retail options small and large, along with a 16-screen cinema multiplex and restaurants offering all manner of dishes. Visitors can browse jewelry, vinyl records and CDs, and the latest clothing trends.

There is also a Target located near the Eagle Plaza, where shoppers can stock up on all sorts of items for the home, electronic gadgetry and stylish clothing at discount prices.

One of the best parts about shopping is that sense of adventure, the rapturous feeling of finding that perfect item or your new favorite store.

And with its easy accessibility and a bevy of options (more keep popping up each month!), South Jersey never fails to deliver.