The lighter, found in a clothing shipment at T.J. Maxx in Westwood, "may have accidentally been placed or fallen into the shipment at a warehouse prior to delivery," borough Police Chief Michael Pontillo said.
The call came in at 2:51 p.m. Jan. 11.
It brought Pontillo's officers, borough firefighters and the Bergen County Bomb Squad to the Westwood Plaza on Broadway, which includes a K-Mart, a a Wine Mart, a UPS store and an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, among other businesses.
Authorities quickly determined there was no danger and the complex was reopened, the chief said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.