The Anchor Society of East Hampton, a nonprofit community group with a mission to revitalize the community and increase year-round foot traffic in the village commercial district, has issued a call for applications for the second year of its Winter Shops program. The program places pop-up shops in what would otherwise be empty storefronts, offering year-round residents interesting and affordable shopping experiences and allowing entrepreneurs an affordable retail opportunity to reach new customers.
The Winter Shops program has invited new business entrepreneurs, established businesses, and nonprofit organizations to apply for three spaces, made available from October to April, within a stand-alone solo storefront or shared retail space. Last season, B. Vintage launched within the alice + olivia store on Main Street, bringing home goods and a shopping environment to East Hampton.
“Last year, we found that many local entrepreneurs wanted smaller spaces at lower costs, so this coming year a shared retail space lease option is also available starting at $500 per month,” Donna McDonald, the Anchor Society’s president, said.
“More than 40 percent of stores in the core of the East Hampton Village business district lock their doors,” according to the call for applications. “This isn’t good for anyone. It’s not good for those stalwart businesses that stay open year round, despite the falloff in foot traffic, or for year-round residents and weekend homeowners who crave not just more places to actually shop but an atmosphere of liveliness and community, or for landlords, who often have to contend with vacancies during the chilly months, or for visitors who arrive only to be faced with a slew of ‘see you in spring’ signs.”
Entrepreneurs have been invited to apply by going to theanchorsociety.org and clicking on the “Winter Shops” tab. Applicants can use spaces for retail or services, though not as offices or showrooms, and must commit to be open at least four days per week.
Candidates will be matched with appropriate spaces occupied by stores that close in winter, with care taken not to create competition with any existing businesses. The Anchor Society will shepherd applications through the matchmaking process and help ensure success for suitable retailers.
