Prior to Rouse Co.'s purchase of the mall in December 1997, The May Co. had committed to build an upscale Lord & Taylor store, with a new Strawbridge's as anchors to the mall. In addition a Guess store joined the mall, as an upscale retailer.
Nordstrom considered opening a store in South Jersey also, but they did not commit to the mall's expansion plans.
In an attempt to protect the Cherry Hill Mall, a mere 3 miles (4.8 km) away, the Rouse Co. acquired the Moorestown Mall. Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust acquired the Cherry Hill Mall, Echelon Mall, Moorestown Mall, Exton Square, Plymouth Meeting Mall, and Gallery at Market East on March 7, 2003. Source