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Black Swan Antiques in Southampton.
Tisha Collette of Collette Consignment.
A new online platform reimagines auctions in the age of COVID-19, while helping out local artists and shop owners losing seasonal business.
Black Swan Antiques in Sag Harbor and Collette Luxury Home Consignment in Bridgehampton have come together to create Hamptons Brick N’ Mortar Auctions, a bidding website for antiques, furnishings and decorations for the home.
The virtual auction caters to East End residents from all walks of life. The platform sells unique furniture and home décor for the Hamptons elite, but it will also support local artists and seasonal mom-and-pop stores short on sales during the coronavirus pandemic.
“They’re offering artists or anyone in the community who wants to get their stuff out there, who normally would be doing an art show or have other brick-and-mortar businesses, to join,” said Robyn Myhr-Goulart, a spokeswoman for Collette Consignment. Many seasonal mom-and-pop shops generate the majority of their revenue from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Plus, it’s shopping for a good cause: 15 percent of all sales go to local food pantries in East Hampton and Sag Harbor, as well as Heart of the Hamptons in Southampton.
Hamptons Brick N’ Mortar Auctions is an original, strategic pivot to hold onto customers, while adhering to social distancing measures. “It’s pretty simple and basic, and fulfilling a need at this time,” said Ms. Myhr-Goulart.
Long Island entered phase one reopening this week, having met a number of metrics set by the state. Wednesday, stores were given the green light for curbside and in-store pickup and drop-off. Full retail services won’t start up again on Long Island until the region enters phase two of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s reopening plan, which is at least two weeks away. And just because stores are open doesn’t necessarily mean residents will feel safe enough to shop in-person.
Until they do, Hamptons Brick N’ Mortar Auctions will open Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and close Sundays at 5 p.m., and update listings each week.
“It’s something to look forward to every week — to post new items and see what’s on there,” said Ms. Myhr-Goulart.
Black Swan Antiques and Collette Consignment notify bidders on Sundays or Mondays if they’ve won, and items without bids roll over to the following week.
“Hopefully, more people, when they hear about it, will jump on, and be able to have their store represented outside of its brick-and-mortar confines,” Ms. Myhr-Goulart said.
Local shop owners interested in participating can email info@colletteconsignment.com to make auction reservations. The platform is also on Instagram: @BlackSwanAntiques and @ColletteLifestyle.
