And now the latest from Bridgehampton Commons: The Press reports that the forthcoming Staples will arrive sometime in summer 2010, taking over three existing shops to create a 13,000 square foot space at the northwest end of the shopping center. On the move: Ann Taylor Loft, Gap Kids and The Retreat Boutique. The paper spoke to employees at all three stores and got some interesting reactions to the Staples-induced boot. At Ann Taylor, it seems the store will be closing all together, shuttering after a number of years in the corner space. At Gap Kids, things were a bit more vague. One employee said the store had no plans to move, according to the corporate office and the store's management. A Staples/Gap Kids combo in the works? The Retreat Boutique, which has moved every year it's been open, will likely find a new home.
Commons owner Kimco Development also revealed to the Press that its shopping center in Hampton Bays will get some changes in the future. The company is looking to build a new retail space 'in the parking lot of the Macy's shopping center', but will hold off on development until the economy improves. That building will likely be used for a store instead of a restaurant, based on the fact that Bridgehampton's Panera Bread apparently is too much of a drain on the Commons septic system. TMI, Kimco, TMI.
· Mall Developer Seeks New Retail in Hampton Bays and Bridgehampton [SH Press]