Walk into The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack, and the vibe shifts immediately. It’s not your average suburban mall experience. Nestled in this high-end Bergen County hub, the Pottery Barn Riverside Square New Jersey location serves as a massive anchor for anyone trying to figure out how to make a North Jersey colonial feel less like a museum and more like a home.
It’s big. Seriously.
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If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, you already know the aesthetic. It’s that blend of rustic farmhouse meets "I definitely have my life together" sophistication. But seeing it in person at Riverside Square is different than clicking on a digital catalog. You can actually feel the weight of the Belgian linen or test if that sectional is actually nap-worthy. Spoiler: Most of them are.
Why This Specific Location Hits Differently
The Shops at Riverside underwent a massive glow-up over the last few years. It moved away from the chaotic, food-court-and-fountains energy of the 90s and leaned hard into luxury. Because of that, the Pottery Barn Riverside Square New Jersey store feels more like a curated gallery than a warehouse.
People come here from all over—Teaneck, Paramus, even across the bridge from Manhattan—because the inventory is deep. You aren't just looking at three coffee tables; you’re looking at entire room vignettes that actually reflect how people live in this part of the country. High ceilings. Neutral palettes. Sturdy wood.
The Design Studio Secret
Most people walk right past the back of the store. Don't do that. Honestly, the Design Studio is where the real value is, and it’s basically a free interior design consultation. You can bring in your floor plans or even just messy photos of your living room on your phone.
The staff here knows the local architecture. They understand the weird layouts of older homes in Englewood or the sprawling open concepts in newer Upper Saddle River builds. They aren't just selling you a chair; they’re helping you realize that a 96-inch sofa won't actually fit through your narrow hallway. That kind of local insight saves a lot of "return-trip" headaches.
Navigating the Floor Plan Without Losing Your Mind
Riverside Square is a bit of a maze if you aren't used to it. The Pottery Barn is situated in a way that makes it easy to pop in, but hard to leave quickly. You’ll find the bedding sections near the back, usually organized by color story.
If you’re looking for the Pottery Barn Kids or PBteen sections, they are often integrated or nearby, but the main floor is dominated by the core collection. Think Big Timber dining tables and those chunky, oversized Manhattan leather armchairs.
One thing to keep in mind: The lighting section here is phenomenal. Seeing a chandelier in a photo is one thing, but seeing the scale of a Clarissa Crystal Drop Chandelier against a real ceiling height helps you understand if it’ll look elegant or just... crowded.
The Reality of Shopping in Hackensack
Let's talk logistics.
Parking at Riverside Square used to be a nightmare, but the newer garages have cleared that up. If you’re picking up a large order—maybe you finally pulled the trigger on a Farmhouse bed frame—the loading area is relatively streamlined. You don't have to navigate through the main mall entrance with a dolly.
Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday morning.
Saturday at Pottery Barn Riverside Square New Jersey is a zoo. It’s bustling. It’s loud. You’ll be fighting three other couples for the attention of a sales associate. But a Tuesday? It’s quiet. You can actually sit on every single sofa in the building without feeling judged.
Quality and the "Bergen County Tax"
Is it expensive? Yeah, sort of. But "expensive" is relative. Compared to the ultra-high-end boutiques in the same mall, Pottery Barn is actually the "accessible" option.
The quality generally holds up. We’re talking about kiln-dried hardwoods and top-grain leathers. In a world of fast furniture that falls apart the second you move apartments, this stuff is built to last. People in this area value longevity. They want furniture that survives kids, pets, and the occasional holiday party where someone inevitably spills red wine on the rug. (Which, by the way, is why you should ask about their performance fabrics).
What Most People Get Wrong About This Store
A common misconception is that everything you see is in stock in the back room.
It’s not.
Most of the large-scale furniture at the Riverside Square location is for display. You test it, you love it, you order it. Shipping times have stabilized a bit lately, but you’re still looking at a wait for custom upholstery. If you need a sofa today, you might be out of luck unless you’re shopping the floor clearance (which happens, but you have to be lucky).
Another thing? The registry service.
It’s huge here. Because of the location’s proximity to so many wedding venues and new housing developments, the registry team is top-tier. They have a system. They know what people actually need versus what just looks cool in a gift box.
Trends Seeing a Renaissance in North Jersey
Right now, the "Coastal Grandmother" look is being replaced by something a bit moodier. At the Pottery Barn Riverside Square New Jersey store, you'll see a lot more dark woods—think oaks and walnuts—paired with brass accents.
- Textured Neutrals: It’s not just flat beige anymore. It’s bouclé. It’s chunky knits.
- Statement Lighting: Oversized pendants are everywhere.
- Organic Shapes: Coffee tables that look like a cross-section of a tree.
- Sustainable Materials: More reclaimed wood than ever before.
This shift reflects a broader trend in New Jersey interior design toward "Global Organic." It feels lived-in. It feels expensive but not untouchable.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you're heading to Riverside Square, go with a plan.
First, measure your space twice. Then measure it again. Measure your doorways. People constantly forget that the furniture has to actually get into the house.
Second, check the Williams-Sonoma key rewards. If you shop at West Elm or Williams-Sonoma, those points work here too. It’s basically free money if you’re doing a full room makeover.
Third, ask about the "Open Box" deals. Sometimes items ordered online are returned to the store. Since they can't always ship them back to the warehouse easily, they mark them down significantly. You can find some absolute steals if you happen to be there at the right time.
Finally, take advantage of the mall's amenities. Grab a coffee or a meal at one of the nearby spots like The Cheesecake Factory or Houston's after you're done. Shopping for furniture is exhausting.
The Pottery Barn Riverside Square New Jersey experience is about more than just buying a table. It's about seeing how your life could look if you finally replaced that hand-me-down recliner with something that doesn't have a mystery stain from 2014. It’s a staple of the Bergen County shopping circuit for a reason. It’s reliable, it’s stylish, and honestly, it just smells really good in there.
If you're looking to refresh a single corner or renovate an entire floor, this store remains the primary touchpoint for classic American home design in the area. Plan for a few hours, wear comfortable shoes, and maybe leave the toddlers at home if you're planning on browsing the glassware section. It’ll make the whole process a lot smoother.
Check the store hours before you head out, as mall hours can shift during holiday seasons or special events. Usually, they open at 10:00 AM, which is the sweet spot for avoiding the lunch rush. Once you’re inside, head straight to the back to get your name on a list for a consultant if you need help—the wait times can jump from five minutes to an hour real fast on the weekends. Bring samples of your current paint colors or fabric swatches if you're trying to match something existing. It's almost impossible to "eye-ball" a shade of navy when you're under bright mall lights.
Everything you need to transform a house into a home is likely sitting on those floors. You just have to go find it.