These 2 big box stores in New Jersey closed years ago — Here’s what they look like inside now

It's amazing to think how drastically the retail landscape across New Jersey has changed over the years.

When I was growing up, you had seemingly endless options when you needed to buy something.

An empty store in your local mall was pretty rare and to get to that mall you had to pass shopping center after shopping center, each with its big anchor store.

Sadly, gone are the days of shopping at stores like Jamesway, Caldor, Bradlee's, Montgomery Ward, Two Guys, Clover, Silo, and Circuit City.

Technically, we could add Sears and Kmart to that list, but while they still exist as chains, you can no longer find those outlets in the Garden State.

• READ MORE: America's once-biggest retailer closes last New Jersey store

Shopping Malls are Struggling in New Jersey

Once synonymous with New Jersey's culture, many malls are struggling to survive these days.

Sure, there are exceptions, but many malls aren't even close to what they were just a few years ago.

One of those malls is Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing, right in the heart of Atlantic County.

For decades, Hamilton Mall had three anchors — Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears.

• READ MORE: Time to demolish Atlantic City Race Track behind Hamilton Mall?

Goodbye Sears and JCPenney

Sears closed in 2018 and JCPenney did the same the following year (Macy's remains open).

While half of the JCPenney space was very briefly home to a Shoppers World store, no other companies have come along to fill those two massive stores, so they have remained empty and practically untouched for a good four or five years now.

Everything inside has been pretty much frozen in time.

So, what do they both look like today?

First, a disclaimer: this store is part of a mall that is still open for business. All of these pictures were taken outside in common areas looking in. Do not break in to explore the space as you will be arrested for trespassing.