In a world dominated by e-commerce giants and fast fashion, there’s something increasingly powerful about choosing to shop small and local. The opening of Gathering Marketplace in East Hampton is a testament to this shift, a new kind of retail experience that prioritizes people over profit, quality over quantity, and connection over convenience.
Founded by James Paul Cheung and Susan Nieland, Gathering Marketplace offers more than a store, it offers a vision. Located at 82 Park Place, this shared retail space supports a rotating group of makers, artists, and independent brands. The goal is to level the playing field for small businesses in one of the most expensive retail zip codes in America.
For customers, shopping local means discovering products with a story- hand-thrown ceramics, thoughtfully designed jewelry, vintage furniture with soul. But more importantly, it means supporting the livelihoods of the people who made them. Gathering Marketplace is proud to feature a thoughtfully curated lineup of local and independent vendors, including Abigail Vogel, Another Look, Brian Burgess Ceramics, Folio East, Hoare & Hoare Antiques, Hidden Gem, HL Jewelry, James Paul Cheung, Leslie Lennox Design, Pippa Studios, Plain T, Rhadi Living, Susan Nieland, The Store Next Door by Park Place Wines, and Thread + Butter.
Beyond the products, there’s a palpable sense of purpose. With design led by stylist Zoe Hoare and a tea experience curated by Plain T, the space is built to foster conversation and community. It’s a place where people can gather, slow down, and engage- a rarity in modern retail.
This kind of grassroots approach to commerce is increasingly essential. As corporate stores dominate Main Streets across the country, small businesses struggle to compete. Shopping local is an act of resistance, and a meaningful one. Gathering Marketplace proves that retail can be ethical, beautiful, and communal. It offers a glimpse into a future where craftsmanship and collaboration are valued over mass production and profit margins. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a reminder that what we choose to buy, and from whom, matters.
When you shop small, you’re not just buying a product. You’re investing in people, place, and purpose. And that’s something worth gathering for.
