Where to Shop in the The Hamptons, Bellport, and Beyond, According to 6 Local Tastemakers
Even the most loyal New Yorker needs an occasional escape from the city. Easy access to the the ocean, charming hamlets and close proximity make Long Island a natural getaway. And after spending enough time in its quiet, verdant enclaves, more than a few regulars choose to call it home for at least part of the year.
While it may not have the same reputation for being a shopping destination as its neighboring metropolis, Long Island is filled with hidden gem boutiques and off-the-beaten-path markets offering a retail experience that’s hard to beat. But knowing how to spot the standouts can feel like an overwhelming prospect. Fortunately, some of the most discerning locals were willing to share some of their favorite spots with Robb Report.
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To get the inside scoop, we spoke with six tastemakers in the worlds of fashion, beauty, entertainment and hospitality to learn about the spots they frequent and just what makes them so special.
Bruce Pask
Occupation: Senior Editorial Director of Neiman Marcus
Home base: “I have a little cottage in Bellport Village on the south short of Long Island. I’ve been here for about twenty years and was introduced to the community by a colleague of mine from the magazine world. I had been spending a lot of time on the Cape and was happy to discover a place that had a bit of that charm and aesthetic – shingled and clapboard homes, privet hedges, hydrangeas, white picket fences – along with a bay-side locale and ocean beach access. And all just an hour and a half from NYC.”
Favorite shops:
“Bellport has an incredibly special history and has been a long-time home to many creative visionaries, artists, designers, and gallerists who have taken a great interest in the community and our charming street of shop fronts. The renowned set and events designer Stefan Beckman owns and runs a beautifully curated shop, Bellport General, in the mood of a nostalgic sundries shop stocked with a beautiful selection of beach-y sportswear and beauty products, vibrant home goods, fantastic specialized pantry staples, and a great coffee bar that is the start of many locals’ days here.”
“Melissa Feldman, a celebrated art event producer, runs a wonderful shop called The Storefront which is a bi-level specialty bookshop, sportswear and accessories boutique, and gallery space with a robust, rotating schedule of curated exhibits featuring pieces by the incredible local talent in Bellport and beyond. The shop’s motto “Things We Love by People We Love” couldn’t be more apt and the frequent weekend art openings are always a great social gathering of villagers.”
“Copper Beech is a wonderful emporium of décor and culinary specialties curated by interior designer partners Thomas O’Brien and Dan Fink housed in a historic Vaudeville theater that they unearthed during a renovation. There’s a great selection of prepared foods perfect for a beach picnic, a great array of imported fare for the kitchen, and lovely pieces to brighten the home.”
Aerin Lauder
Occupation: Founder and Creative Director of AERIN; Style and Design Director of Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv
Home base: “I grew up visiting East Hampton with my family, which is why I chose to live in the area; it has always felt like home to me. However, I enjoy visiting the many towns throughout the east end of Long Island. Each town, whether it is Southampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, etc. each has its own unique sensibility and I love exploring the different shops, both old and new.”
Favorite shops:
“This was the first AERIN store that we opened and continues to be one of my favorites. We offer the best edit that rotates seasonally, featuring home décor, beauty, accessories, and fashion that is curated especially for the destination.”
“I love Doen’s sensibility. They have the most feminine, effortless pieces for every season. Their new shop in Sag Harbor is so well done, from the interior design details to the clothing.”
“I love casually entertaining at home, and Loaves and Fishes always has the most delicious prepared foods that everyone can enjoy.”
“I always have fresh flowers in my home, no matter the season. The Bridgehampton Florist has the most beautiful selection of flowers that are local and in-season.”
“Wyeth offers a meticulously curated selection of furniture, lighting, art, and objects celebrating vintage design in a light-filled showroom in Sagaponack. It is one of my favorite places to shop and visit for inspiration.”
Malcolm Carfrae
Occupation: Founder of Carfrae Consulting
Home base: “I live in the Napeague area of Amagansett – a narrow strip of land between the ocean and the bay. The name ‘Napeague’ comes from the Montaukett language and means “land overflowed by the sea.” We had been in the Springs before and knew the area well. The proximity to the ocean was top of our list for living there. Leaving is the hardest thing.”
Favorite shops:
“This is an eclectic concept store, offering clothing, accessories, art, jewelry and home store run by the brilliant Claudja. It is quintessential Amagansett – full of interesting, curated items and no big, mass brands.”
“If I could only ever shop in one interiors store, this would be it. Elizabeth’s eye is discerning and extraordinary. Half of our tabletop is from here, including plates, cutlery, napkins and vases. My go-to for a beautiful house gift.”
“They have a store and a wine stand that sell my favorite product of all time (wine), but also gifts and product collaborations. And you can do a wine tasting while you shop!”
“This is my go-to store for menswear. I seem to find everything I need for my wardrobe here, always with Todd’s understated, chic, masculine aesthetic.”
Sarah Wetenhall
Occupation: President and Owner of The Colony Hotel
Home base: “Escaping the bustle of New York City and retreating to Long Island is something my family and I look forward to every summer. We have been coming to the East End for decades now, and each time we make the trip we are reminded of why we love it out here. Specifically, Sag Harbor is the slice of paradise that we call home.
While much of Long Island takes you back to simpler times, Sag Harbor has a special magic to it that is distinctive. The town invokes a sense of nostalgia; it perfectly merges the best of old-world charm with new-world buzz. It is fashionable yet casual, family-friendly yet vibrant, and coastal yet cozy. I especially love it because my kids can run safely around the village – they go to the movies, get ice cream, and hang out with their friends – while I can shop nearby, take meetings, or take a yoga class. Its proximity to the water is just icing on the cake; my eldest son teaches sailing at Breakwater Yacht Club and, let’s be honest, it is hard to have a bad day when you are out on the water!”
Favorite shops:
“I love Henry Lehr’s smart casualwear for any season. Their cotton blouses are a summer staple and every September I stock up on cashmere sweaters to prepare for fall.”
“My kids love BROdenim. Their sweatshirts with fun location-specific patches and the option to customize your own are a can’t-miss when in Sag Harbor. You feel like you’re wearing something trendy but also one of a kind.”
Sylvester & Co. Modern General
“I adore Sylvester & Co. Modern General for hostess gifts and other eclectic home accessories. They have everything you never knew you needed and then some! (and their ‘Dreamy’ iced coffee is amazing as well).”
Neo Studio
“This antique store is a feast for the eyes and provides great inspiration for anyone who loves design and decor. Many of the items in my Sag Harbor home were sourced here – and they also have a location in Palm Beach which is great for those of us who fly south for the winter!”
Brendan Fallis
Occupation: Founder of Fallis Studios, Content Creator, and DJ
Home base: “Amagansett NY. We purchased a house here seven years ago. It’s the perfect little vibe for us. Still smaller and understated in comparison to the surrounding towns and has some high-quality offerings that fall more in the IYKYK category.”
Favorite shops:
“Although they’re known for their roti, the burger is off the charts. Grab one and sit in the square.”
“Located next door to the Il Buco a La Mare restaurant, it’s often overshadowed by its big sister but has a great selection of home goods and the best coffee in town.”
Stuart’s
“Tucked down a hidden driveway, this is the best local fish provider you can find with most of its offerings being freshly caught.”
“Dare I say this is the best farm stand in all of eastern Long Island!”
“A new edition to town, but if your wallet needs a cleansing, walk right through that door and get to work. You look good on your way out.”
Joey W?lffer
Occupation: Entrepreneur, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Owner of W?lffer Estate Vineyard
Home base: “I’m a native New Yorker, but my family relocated to the Hamptons in 1992. It’s where my parents raised my brother and me, and where I chose to raise my own family and continue our father’s legacy with W?lffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack.
Today, my family and I call Sag Harbor home. I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work in such an amazing place. Summers are hectic and fun, filled with parties, events, long beach days, kids’ activities, and the like, while the rest of the year offers a more relaxed, slower-paced lifestyle. We enjoy the best of all worlds—surrounded by nature, yet immersed in a vibrant community of inspiring people, exceptional art institutions, fantastic restaurants supported by best-in-class farms, and great shopping. It really is a dream!”
Favorite shops:
“This farm-meets-market-meets-café in Amagansett is one of my favorite spots to grab a coffee. While there, I love to stock up on fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and a bottle of wine for the weekend. What makes Amber Waves Farm truly special, beyond being a woman-owned and women-run farm, is its inspiring mission to provide educational opportunities in agriculture and nurture the next generation of growers, thoughtful cooks, and conscious eaters of all ages.”
“When I opened my boutique in 2015, I envisioned creating a carefully curated treasure trove, seamlessly blending extraordinary pieces from hard-to-find designers with unique vintage finds from around the world. Today, the boutique is all that and more! It’s a true reflection of my passions—travel, fashion, artisanal design, and everything in between—and offers an incredible assortment of luxe jewelry, accessories, and clothing, both vintage and new, plus a rotating edit of beauty and wellness essentials from highly-coveted brands. If you’re looking for a uniquely stylish experience out East, it’s a must!”
“Clic’s dedicated home décor outpost in East Hampton is my go-to for stylish home accessories. The store’s color-coded displays elevate the shopping experience and always bring me joy!”
“This charming shop in Sag Harbor offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts and locally-made goods for all the special people in your life.”
“I find the most unique pieces at Blooming Shells in Sag Harbor, a store celebrated for its one-of-a-kind shell and shell-inspired goods. From artwork and books to jewelry and clothing, every visit feels like a little treasure hunt. It’s a place the whole family will enjoy!”
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