A change to the Riverhead’s outlet zoning code two years ago, expanding allowed uses beyond manufacturers outlet stores, is bearing fruit at Tanger Outlets.
The code amendment made general retail stores, interior design and furniture showroom and specialty grocery stores allowed uses at Tanger, in addition to manufacturers outlets.
Krafty Hands is the first craft store at Tanger, offering a wide variety of crafts, parties and events.
“We have paint and sip nights, Lego classes which are a really big hit because they’re engineering and it’s hands-on, mosaic art, astrology afternoons, and plaster painting, said Krafty Hands franchise owner Nicole Foley.
Foley, a mother of three who grew up on the North Fork, is a former teacher and day care owner.
“I want to be part of a community. Teaching and creating are the two things I love and the outlet is trying to revamp Tanger 1 to make it more family friendly,” Foley said.
In a space of approximately 2,400 square feet are two big tables. During a recent visit one table was ready for an afternoon of children painting and fastening sequins on multi-colored pairs of hats and gloves. Blank canvases on mini easels accompanied with paint sets were waiting on the other table for the next group of artists.
Foley also offers painting with sponges, graffiti art on sweatshirts, even paint and drip art on a basketball which is “very popular among boys.” Another unique class is fashion, just one of many posted on her Instagram page.
“Kids can learn the skill of sewing which has disappeared,” said Foley.
Because she likes to repurpose art and materials, Foley offers a mosaic class with china that’s been broken into tiny tiles for people to create their own art.
Date Night is a special offering for parents who can drop off their kids at Krafty Hands for two and a half hours and while they’re doing crafts, dancing and eating pizza, their mom and dad have free time to go shopping.
“When you come here, it feels like home. I have a lot of repeat customers and we take our time. No one is rushed; you can paint all day,” Foley said.
Krafty Hands is located in Suite 513 in Tanger 1. Krafty Hands also has storefronts in Smithtown, Bay Shore, Syosset and Merrick.
Across the parking lot in Tanger 1, in unit 208, is the first brick-and-mortar store of Loide & Co., a toxin-free candle company, which opened in October.
The business is owned by Loide DiPippa, 32, of Port Jefferson.
“I started my company because there are not a lot of candles out there that don’t use toxic wax,” said DiPippa. When formulating her candles, which are produced from plant-based soy wax and oils, she also keeps pets in mind because according to her, “if they’re irritated by it or sensitive to the scent, that means humans should not be smelling it too and it’s not safe.”
DiPippa started her business in her kitchen. She was selling her hand-poured candles at farmers markets, but decided to move to Tanger because of the foot traffic there.
The air in her store is filled with calming earthy scents like firewood, vanilla, cedar, cinnamon and lavender. Along with candles, the shelves entice shoppers with whiffs of car diffusers, soaps and room sprays. And there’s a unique collection of candles dedicated to 13 Long Island beaches, including Jones Beach, Cedar Beach, Robert Moses, Cupsogue and Meschutt; shells from each beach top the candle.
“Many people connect to a memory, a story that happened at a beach. It’s different for everyone.” She believes candles “are more than just wax and wick.” On her website she wrote “they’re symbols of peace, warmth and quiet reassurance.”
DiPippa said she wanted a place where she could educate people and a space that was within her budget.
Her small business offers candle making classes aka “wick and sip,” wreath making and yoga classes. Every month, she welcomes a Long Island author into her store to speak with her book club.
DiPippa also works as an ultrasound technician. She said said candles are spiritual to her. From her website: “I’ve turned to candles as a source of comfort and calm through life’s challenges.”
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