Luxury retailers head to East Hampton - by Joseph Aquino

East Hampton is located on a peninsula, bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by Block Island Sound and to the north by Gardiners Bay, Napeague Bay and Fort Pond Bay. To the west is western Long Island, reaching to the East River and New York City.

The towns website states the original land was purchased from the Montauket Indians which covered about 30,000 acres. The first settlement within the present jurisdiction of the Town was made by Lion Gardiner on his privately-owned Gardiners Island in 1639, but organized settlement did not take place until 1648. The original name of the Town was Maidstone and fourteen years later became known as East Hampton. Whaling, fishing, farming and cattle-raising were the basis of the settlers' early economy. The Town's year round population as measured in the 2020 census was 28,385.

So, let’s see which luxury retailers are going into this tony little town. As you drive down Main St. you can’t help to notice Valentino took 53 Main St. that used to house Tiffany & Company. They are just putting the final touches on their design and it looks like it will open shortly. Ralph Lauren who was one of the first fashion icons to believe in East Hampton has three locations, one a few doors down from Valentino at 31-33 Main St., a Polo Ralph Lauren across the street at 32 Main St. and a Double-RL at 57 Main St., just in case you missed the other two. The French watchmaker, Audemars Piquet took 20 Main St. The Westside, with the odd numbers has Starbucks and the Bookhampton bookstore which is always a good pedestrian traffic driver for sales. To the Eastside, the odd number block, has a Regal UA Movie East Hampton Cinema that shows first run movies. On that side of the block there is; J. Crew boutique at 14 Main St., Nili Lotan 38 Main St., Vilebrequin at 30 Main St. and Loro Piana at 45 Main St.

At the corner at Main & Newton Ln., Cartier took 1 Main St. They secured the two-story Elie Tahari space that had been there for years. The store is over 5,000 s/f with an inviting staircase heading to the second level. Across the street, the market may not be aware of it yet, but Prada took the corner, that was housed by Halstead’s real estate offices. That address is 2 Newton Ln. Newton Ln. has its own hip sensibility. I like eating at Cittanuova for their fabulous pizza’s. They have plenty of big screen TV’s behind the bar if there is a sporting event you don’t want to miss. They also have an outdoor patio, both out front and in the rear. On the same bloc, Gucci has been enjoying the town for the last few years and the store has a European beach feel. You almost feel like you are in Capri, once you walk toward and enter the store. Balenciaga is another lux brand you will find on Newton at no. 54, along with Tod’s at no. 47. However, the big arrival for me was Chanel, taking a house that Eileen Fisher once traded her wears, giving Chanel customers a new meaning to the expression, the House of Chanel. I don’t think it officially opened. I saw a ladder in the doorway and the location’s address hasn’t hit social media yet.  

The town is very friendly and has ample parking. The beaches are the best in the Northeast, and they are nearby if you are ready to take the sun and go for a swim. There are plenty of Inn’s and bed and breakfasts if you plan to make East Hampton a vacation spot. Some of them are 1770 House Restaurant & Inn, The Bevin House, The Baker House 1650, and The Hedges Inn. If you plan to stay, you might get lucky and meet some European, Canadian and or South American vacationers. East Hampton is so beautiful, it attracts worldwide vacationers. There are plenty of restaurants too, to challenge your figure. My friends, Vittorio and Fabio own Serafina East Hampton. They own over 20 restaurants in New York, Europe and the Middle East. They even own a hotel in the Caribbean. They claim that their friendship was bonded when they got lost at sea for several days on a sailboat. With no food, Vittorio who is a chef, would describe the food he most loved and missed from Italy to Vittorio. Vittorio, a financier, promised Fabio, if they ever make it out alive, he will raise money and buy Fabio a restaurant. The rest is history.  

Other favorite restaurants are, Nick & Tony, who has great streaks and Dopo La Spiagga, which means, “after the beach in Italian.”  Its very casual, and yes, they are from Italy.
If you rent a house in East Hampton for the summer, the best spot for fresh food is Cittarella, another paisano. They have the best fish, meat, and fruit markets that I have been too.  I am one of their customers in Manhattan.  

Joseph Aquino, is president of JAACRES, New York, NY.