On the northeast corner of Jobs and Main, you’ll notice a small, fanciful sign different from your typical street placard that simply states: Jobs Lane, Opened – 1664.
Some 360 years have passed since the thoroughfare was a cow path for a farmer named Job Sayre, who’d walk his herd down to the pastureland by Agawam Pond. But the street is no less useful than it was back then. In fact, Jobs is seeing a bit of a mom-and-pop retail renaissance these days.
“We’ve never seen more stores. There are a lot more open full time, year-round,” says Erin Hatrick, owner of Topiaire Flower Shop and Candy Shop. Indeed, while some international brands pack up after the summer season, Jobs Lane manages to maintain a healthy swathe of small businesses and arts-centric happenings to easily while away an afternoon — and then some. Check out our picks for lingering on the lane…
From unique clothing store sot delish delis, Jobs Lane in Southampton is a bountiful boulevard of small, mom-and-pop businesses. (Photos by Doug Young)
Peter Marino Art Foundation 11 Jobs Lane. Located in the former Rogers Memorial Library, architect Peter Marino transformed the old stacks and reading rooms into a jaw-dropping, eclectic home for art. Eras mix and meld in the integrated spaces like inhabitants of an odd but beautiful family tree, which is exactly how Marino wants you to experience it.
Southampton Arts Center 25 Jobs Lane, 631-283-0967. For over a decade, SAC, which is open year-round, has hosted four major exhibits a year plus art classes, workshops, talks and panel discussions, performances and a host of other events and activities in and around the beautiful 127-year-old Grosvenor Atterbury-designed building. Don’t miss the serene outdoor spaces and Roman courtyard.
Dazzelle 47 Jobs Lane, 631-283-8477. For over 20 years, owner Ellen Irving’s well-appointed women’s dress shop has been keeping East End ladies feeling pretty, be it in a perfect batik-print beach cover up, summery dress for an afternoon in town or even a sparkly gown for that wedding or fundraiser. Bonus: They will happily do alterations on what you buy — sometimes even on the same day!
Topiaire Flower Shop 51 Jobs Lane, 631-287-3800. For over 30 years, Erin Hatrick has not only been serving the area’s floral needs — her charming shop is one of the best places for unique gifts, whether you’re a grateful weekend guest who wants to say thank you or you’re shopping for that awesome teacher at Southampton Elementary School. Topiaire has it all, from pretty potted plants, jewelry you won’t find anywhere else, local town signs, cards and a million other lovely gifts-in-the-making. And don’t miss the opportunity to hit up Hatrick’s throwback Candy Shop tucked behind Topiaire, with its mounds of penny candy, piñatas, super-cool birthday candles and all things whimsical you didn’t know you needed.
Hidden Gem 47 Jobs Lane, 631-259-3494. Wander into Temidra Willock Morsch and Tanya Willock’s bright and bountiful shop and you’ll understand the moniker. Using their mutual backgrounds in art and design, the sisters curate (and sometimes make) some of the most distinctive items found on the block, from housewares and kids’ clothes to purses and more.
With a strong, year-round presence businesses on Jobs Lane truly have something to offer everyone, form children to adults to dogs. (Photos by Doug Young)
Herbert & Rist Wines and Liquors 63 Jobs Lane, 283-2030. From the hottest new tequila to a Barolo fit for a fancy dinner fête, this convivial wine and spirits shop has been serving Southampton since 1933. If you’re looking for something special, they’ll order it for you. Need delivery? No problem. They’re all about customer service at this excellent 92-year-old purveyor of grown-up liquid treats.
Stevenson’s Toys & Games 69 Jobs Lane, 631-283-2111. Childhood creativity is alive and well at Roy Stevenson’s delightful toy and game store, where Steiff bears snuggle up to playtime puppets, puzzles, games, Lego, Little People and all other order of imagination-sparking fun.
Aloof Icon 87 Jobs Lane, 631-488-4111. Owner Megan Ruddy just wants to have fun — and she wants you to have some, too. From candles and household items, to thousand-dollar bill cocktail napkins, Dolly Parton coasters and a vase that resembles butt cheeks (tastefully done, of course!), it’s the right stop for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member. Or just to cheer yourself up.
Little Lucy’s 91 Jobs Lane, 631-287-2352. Need canine couture? Patricia Hurley takes pet spoiling to a whole new fashionable level, with cute dog clothes, collars, plush beds, treats and lots of other goodies to spoil your four-legged pal. Don’t miss her pet parade in October, with all proceeds going to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. For more information, check out their Instagram.
Sean’s Place 76A Jobs Lane, 631-283-0909. There’s still a deli in tony Southampton. Hit up Sean’s for a cup of coffee and an egg sammie (as early as 5:30 a.m. most days!), or a hearty afternoon sandwich and soda. Outdoor tables offer space for excellent people watching.
Namiro Sushi 76C Jobs Lane, 631-204-5371. In the former Bamboo space, Namiro opened this past May, offering sushi classics with a nod toward the Osaka-style pressed sushi the restaurant’s name pays homage to. If you’re toting around a large group, this is a great spot to seat (and please) them all.
Twin Hearts Vintage 66-B Jobs Lane, 631-259-2797. Rockville Centre transplants and twin sisters Jacqueline and Kristina Lepre are in their second year purveying carefully curated ‘60s-centric street fashion. “If we wouldn’t wear it, we wouldn’t buy it,” says Kristina. You’ll see everything from Chanel shoes and Lee cowgirl shirts to funky, chunky jewelry and even a smattering of era-appropriate vinyl records.
A historic Southampton street, Jobs Lane holds avid arts venues and a small business scene with big personality. (Photos by Doug Young)
Southampton Publick House 62 Jobs Lane, 631-283-2800. Don Sullivan’s resto has been on Jobs Lane for nearly a decade of its 30 or so years in existence — and while the beer-slinging spot no longer brews its own, the amply sized indoor and outdoor space with two bars, multiple TVs and hearty pub grub remains a local fave open all year.
Coco Cabana 60 Jobs Lane. Owners Jill Diaz and Luca Moro’s fab four-year-old fashion hub (peep their Insta here) is a must for Italian vintage fans. “We’ve got plenty of Pucci, Missoni and Gucci!” laughs Jill. Your eyes will indeed be dazzled by the bright and bold colors from these classic Boot-born designers. There are also shoes, jewelry and even a smattering of housewares in the Italo-file category.
Yubel Márquez Fleites Art Collective Contemporary 50 Jobs Lane. The first Latino-owned gallery in town, Cuban-born, Fedora-wearing owner Yubel Márquez Fleites has an eye for curating irresistibly dazzling, thought-provoking displays of mixed media from both local and far-flung artists. Check out their Instagram account here.
Shoe-Inn 30 Jobs Lane, 631-259-3643. Family-owned and operated since 1972, this women’s shoe store is one of three in the Hamptons (the others are in East Hampton and Westhampton Beach) and sells footwear you won’t find anywhere else. The four-generation-strong Lawson family has special contracts with multiple Italian shoemakers who create originals for them and them only.
