Modern Retail Landscapes: From Local Artisans to Commercial Investments
Gathering Marketplace, a new “community-driven retail concept,” opened last week at 82 Park Place in East Hampton, in the storefront left vacant by the closure of the Party Shoppe in February, and though those familiar with the former occupant may find it hard to recognize the spot. The store’s concept was a collaboration between James Paul Cheung, an entrepreneur and designer, and Susan Neiland, a jewelry designer, who were both interested in providing local vendors with access to the village’s notoriously costly retail space, without the financial burden it typically entails. The space is largely open, with aesthetically mismatched shelves positioned sporadically around the room displaying a variety of color-coordinated wares from a selection of local artisans and small businesses.
Regarding the mission of this project, Mr. Cheung wrote in a press release about the launch: “We’re bringing together a carefully selected group of small businesses and artisans to create a place that feels personal, inclusive, and exciting.” He added that “This is about building community while rethinking what retail can look like in places like the Hamptons, where traditional models aren’t sustainable for most emerging brands.” The marketplace will maintain a roster of year-round vendors, and also plans to host various pop-ups throughout the summer. It is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Capital Markets and Retail Acquisitions
In the sector of commercial investment, Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer’s Capital Markets Group has represented the purchaser, Ellas Properties, LLC, in the acquisition of two Dollar General Marketplace properties in Maysville and Elm City, North Carolina. Ellas Properties, LLC acquired the assets through a 1031 tax-deferred exchange on May 15, 2025, for $4,011,000 from Glandon Forest Equity, LLC. The Maysville property, located at 1006 Main Street, is a newly constructed 12,687 square foot single-tenant property for which Dollar General recently signed a 15-year NNN lease. The Elm City location, at 6107 Town Creek Road, is a newly constructed 10,770 square foot single-tenant property for which Dollar General recently signed a 15-year NNN lease.
Major Retail and Mixed-Use Developments
Large-scale development projects continue to shape the industry, such as The Avenue Forsyth in Cumming, GA, which is a 570,000sf life style center. Other notable commercial projects include:
- Avalon – Alpharetta, GA - MU project 370ksf retail, 100ksf office, 101 homes, 250 mf units.
- Tifton Mall – Tifton, GA - 220,000sf shopping center.
- Tifton Corners – Tifton, GA - 186,000sf shopping center.
- Shenandoah Plaza – Newnan, GA - 146,000sf shopping center.
Overview of Retail Property Specifications
| Property / Project | Location | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Dollar General Marketplace | Maysville, NC | 12,687 square foot single-tenant property |
| Dollar General Marketplace | Elm City, NC | 10,770 square foot single-tenant property |
| The Avenue Forsyth | Cumming, GA | 570,000sf life style center |
| Avalon | Alpharetta, GA | 370ksf retail / Mixed-Use |
| Tifton Mall | Tifton, GA | 220,000sf shopping center |
Digital Evolution and E-commerce Tools
As retail evolves, digital platforms like AWS Marketplace provide essential resources for eCommerce, Customer Experience Personalization, and Data Analysis. These environments offer AI Agents & Tools, Business Applications, and Cloud Operations to support emerging brands and established retailers alike. Companies can leverage these to improve Procurement & Supply Chain efficiency and Sales & Marketing strategies in a competitive global market.
