The latest creation from mastermind Samuel Gold and his long-time creative collaborator Aimee Rabinowitz, RiverTown Trade is a new concept-boutique located in the heart of Amenia, New York. “The shop opened over Memorial Day weekend. Despite the weather being very damp and chilly, we did alright,” says Gold. “Some of the local business owners and politicians stopped in to introduce themselves. I feel the buzz is just starting.”
The minimalist-chic outlet pulls from regional artisans to present an uber-curated collection, such as artisan lavender bath and beauty products from Los Pablanos, Bellocq signature blend teas, signed prints by Ron Galella, imported linens from Summerill and Bishop, repurposed vintage handbags and furniture from TOTem Salvaged, caftans by two ny and hand-crafted trinket trays by Lisa Bayer.
The intelligence and energy of RiverTown Trade is evident in every object selected to represent its thrillingly smart, grown-up sensibility. Mr.Gold is as surprised as anyone to be back in business. Long considered the original purveyor of curious goods and visionary of the modern hotel shop/boutique (he created the award-winning retail concept spaces for Ian Schrager Hotels worldwide, the Mandarin Oriental Hotels as well as Starwood’s Luxury Collection), Gold is renowned for his creativity, innovation and keen eye. “I have always believed in the power of a retail experience,” he says. “But I thought I had done all I wanted to do.” Gold was happily retired, focused on his family and living in the former trading hamlet of Cold Spring, tucked along the Hudson River.
Then the Pandemic hit, and the world changed. “Everything started shutting down, all the stores and all the restaurants,” he says. “People kept asking me, ‘Is this the end of retail?’ I knew I had to do something. I thought, If not now, then when?”
Gold and Rabinowitz immediately got to work, culling from their expansive network of designers and artisans with a goal to build a retail space that celebrates joy and embraces eccentricity. “I love the romance of entering a space and being transported,” Gold says. “I wanted to create a world that unfolds in unexpected ways, that gives customers the thrill of discovery. I just felt there was no better way to shed some light during these dark times.”
“If you love the thrill of discovery, of entering a space and being transported,” Gold says. “If you long for a space where exclusive design products and unique jewelry commingles with bespoke beauty products, original art, rare books, whimsical gifts and uncommon leather goods, then look no further.”
Follow RiverTown Trade on social media @rivertowntradeshop and get inspired to stop by and discover RiverTown Trade at 3300 Route 343 in Amenia.
