New College Store Opens

By Bryan Hay

Opening Friday at 8:30 a.m., the new Lafayette College Store at High and McCartney streets will still be the place to pick up all things Pard, but its vastly expanded array of merchandise and amenities makes it more of a destination for the campus community and the general public.

Customers will notice a corner of the brightly lit 5,000-square-foot store at McCartney North devoted to food and other products from Easton area businesses, including Crayola, Easton Baking Co., Pastificio 601, Sweet Girlz Bakery, Chocodiem, Cake & Corolla, and Bloomie’s by Lille Syster.

Don’t miss the freezer case full of ice cream from Owowcow Creamery, including pints of its exclusive Lafayette flavor, “Leopard’s Midnight Treat,” a black cocoa ice cream with chunks of house-made sugar cookies and a fudge swirl.

Further along, there’s even more of a Lafayette presence at a table of items the store curated in partnership with the Office of Sustainability—bamboo toothbrushes, reusable bags, and reusable food storage containers.

About 1,500 square feet is devoted to gift items and home goods, says McKenzie Baldorossi, the store’s merchandise consultant. All under $100, items include glassware, rustic cutting boards, and serving bowls, some glazed with leopard designs. A sprawling wooden leopard also occupies the table.

Char’s Café, another new amenity, offers coffee, doughnuts, and muffins, and a place to relax between classes while overlooking McCartney Street and the campus beyond through tall windows. It’s named in memory of store employee Charlene “Char” Hummel, a passionate supporter of men’s and women’s basketball and a founding member of the Friends of Lafayette Basketball.

The store has expanded its labels of Lafayette attire, now offering golf shirts and pullovers by Peter Millar, and its inventory of popular Nike clothing for men, women, children, and toddlers.

Classic lines from Champion and League still fill the racks, and customers can browse the offerings of sweatshirts and sportswear walking on green carpeting that resembles a sports field’s artificial turf. There’s a section of the store devoted to logoed clothing representing Lafayette’s sports programs.

Health and beauty products, school supplies, and a kid’s corner also are offered.

Store hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The College Store is going green and has a BYOB (bring your own bag) policy. Reusable college store bags are available for purchase and will be given out for free on opening day, Friday, as supplies last.

Following current public health protocols, the store will be limited to 60 shoppers. Face masks are required.

While the store has its soft opening on Friday, its official grand opening ceremony and celebration will be in August in conjunction with the Trolley Stop Diner, which is scheduled to open April 19.