What's Up in The East Hamptons?

East Hampton businesses reported strong sales across the board as they assess summer and beach weekends. East Hampton merchants, innkeepers, and restaurant owners pleasantly are surprised by the summer activity.

Visitors are plentiful this summer season despite a sense of a faltering economy combined with high gasoline prices, merchant sales records are up around town.

People are firing up their grills for weekend barbeque's. The ultra chic London Jewelers on Main Street in East Hampton reported the store sales are good. Main Street, Kristina Klug, manager of Tiffany’s East Hampton branch, said the beach is in full swing again with sales being up with weddings being a big factor in the the selling and lot of hostess gifts are being purchased. Tiffany sell platters that look like fish, and also sells a lot of crystal candlesticks, vases and bowls. House guests like to bring a gift.” states Klug.

Beach House Buddhamania

The Buddha image is part of a large trend in beach house decor. Buddhas has become a ubiquitous element in the living room and beach patios, it is a constant reminder to grow. In a garden it represents balance and tranquility.

Sotheby's has held three "The Arts of the Buddha" auctions that have included drawings, sculptures, and paintings. Demand has spread to the art market and Christies sold a 26 inch tall wooden Buddha sculpture dating to the 12th century for about 14.4 million, setting a world auction record for traditional Japanese art. LA Interior Designer, Barbara Segal states that "the Buddha image speaks of spirituality without being overtly religious. It connects with the environment, it's serene and you fell you're a part of nature."