The Shoppes at Lafayette: A Revived Shopping Village in Sussex County, NJ

Editor's Note

I'll be straight with you on this one, since I've watched this property go through it firsthand. Longtime Sussex County residents remember when this was Olde Lafayette Village, and remember the slow decline that followed once anchor stores like Bass and Van Heusen pulled out, leaving caution tape on empty storefronts and only a handful of tenants hanging on for a stretch of years. The good news is that the property changed hands in 2016, and the new ownership has put real money into bringing it back, new landscaping, refreshed buildings, that street clock and pond everyone remembers fondly. What you'll find today is a genuine mixed bag, some promising newer additions alongside spaces still filling in, so it's not the 50-shop outlet village it was in its heyday and I wouldn't send someone here expecting a full day of retail therapy just yet, though the trajectory does seem to be pointing up. Through all of it, Lafayette House has stayed the one constant worth the trip on its own, restaurant, tavern, and banquet hall all still going strong, so if you're headed out this way, that's the reservation to make first and let whatever's open in the village be a bonus.

At a glance

A handful of remaining anchor stores still worth the stop
Direct access to Lafayette House for a meal while you're there
Worth checking current tenant status before making it your main destination

If you’ve driven along Route 15 through historic Lafayette lately, you’ve probably noticed The Shoppes at Lafayette looking better than it has in years. Once known as Olde Lafayette Village, this outdoor shopping destination has gone through a real renaissance, and the new lineup of businesses proves it. Recent additions include a craft mocktail bar, a ninja warrior gym, a comic book and game store, a custom furniture maker, and an ice cream shop, all sharing the grounds with the landmark Lafayette House Restaurant, Tavern & Banquet Hall, a favorite for both casual dinners and special events.

What sets The Shoppes at Lafayette apart from a typical Sussex County shopping center is the setting itself. A pond sits right in the center of the village, where kids can feed the ducks while parents browse nearby shops, and a classic street clock anchors the square and ties the whole scene together. It’s the kind of family-friendly, park-like atmosphere you don’t find at an indoor mall, which is exactly why it’s become a popular stop for locals and visitors exploring northwestern New Jersey.

The Shoppes at Lafayette also sits right alongside the town’s well-known cluster of antique stores, including the massive Lafayette Mill Antiques Center, so a single trip can turn into a full afternoon of browsing, eating, and shopping small. Whether you’re after a specialty gift, an antique find, or just a scoop of ice cream by the pond, this shopping village in Lafayette Township offers a mix you won’t find anywhere else in Sussex County. With new businesses continuing to move in, The Shoppes at Lafayette is quickly reestablishing itself as one of the region’s go-to shopping destinations for both day-trippers and longtime residents.

If you haven’t stopped by The Shoppes at Lafayette in a while, now’s the time. You’ll find it at 75 NJ-15, Lafayette Township, NJ, open daily. Check theshoppesatlafayette.com for current hours, store listings, and upcoming events like the Farmers Market and seasonal festivals.