The Goose (Photos: Petite North Fork)
Since it opened in July, not once have I visited The Goose in Greenport Village and not fallen totally in love with at least six items. Whether it's goods that I can’t wait to gift or things I find and adore for my own kids, mission “just browsing” is utterly impossible. I blame it on the well-curated items that shopkeeper Bridget Elkin stocks, paired with the inviting warmth and styling of the store. At The Goose, quality meets cute, and I’m all for it.
Read on to learn more about The Goose and six of my current favorite picks.
Q: Why did you open The Goose?
Bridget: I've always had a little FOMO when it comes to downtown Greenport. We moved three times within the village, each time getting closer, and now we live 100 feet from it. The shops, restaurants, and business owners are all very much part of our definition of "home." I'd always envisioned opening a business my girls could relate to and take part in once they were old enough. At 7 and 5, I'm a few years early, but the rising number of vacancies in the village inspired me to do it now.
Q: How do you curate items for The Goose?
Bridget: Many of the items in the store are things I've gifted to friends and family. My rule of thumb is organic textiles, well- and responsibly-made toys, and anything that encourages imaginative play or crafting. As a busy working mom, I've always valued toys that keep children engaged.
I also take inspiration on design and accountability from a number of shopkeepers in our community: Nathanial Savage of White Flower Garden, Lori Guyer of White Flower Farmhouse, Peter Clarke and his husband Anthony of Clarke's Garden, and Ginger McFadden and Ken Ludacer of Beall and Bell, to name just a few. These people curate their shops like theatre, changing the scene and creating an experience. They make it look easy, but it's a ton of work, and it results in shops that stand out and quietly thank their loyal regulars. I could be in any city in the world while in these shops, and I relish that escape. We are very lucky to have them here.
Q: What are some of your favorite brands that you stock at The Goose?
Bridget: We don't carry much we don't love, but I'd have to say Maileg, Oso & Me, Petite Plume, and OMY Maison. We also carry a French brand called Ratatam, whose tutus and dress-up designs have a level of whimsy that brings immense joy! We had to make a solid pitch to get some of these accounts. They typically reserve wholesale privileges for larger operations, and we're held to the same minimum orders. The price you find online is the price in our store. In fact, at times we have to be even more competitive on pricing to keep things moving so we can meet those minimums.
Petite’s Picks
How to draw, for kids, by Alli Koch
From giraffes to cupcakes to monsters, these “How to draw…” books actually teach your kids how to draw anything they can dream of, with easy step-by-step guides that are doable for even your youngest artist. I also love the size of these books and how easily they fit into a small tote or purse, making them an ideal solution for a screen-free, peaceful restaurant outing. $9.95 each.
Q: What do you love about the "How to draw..." books?
Bridget: They're fun for all ages! Learning to draw something by breaking it down piece by piece is like learning a little magic trick. Plus, it really sharpens your Pictionary skills. These make for great stocking stuffers!
My Library Kit, by Knock Knock Kids
Become your own librarian with this fun kit. The set includes everything your kids need to turn their at-home book collection into their very own library with 20 self-adhesive pockets, 20 checkout cards, an official date stamp, a mini pencil, and an ink pad. Full disclosure, I might enjoy this just as much as my kids will, and I’m more than okay with that. $25.
“Out East” Sweatshirts, designed by The Goose
Inspired by an icon and comfy? Can’t beat it. These in-house-designed sweatshirts are sure to be gifted and worn by my whole crew. Kids $40, Adults $60.
Q: How did you come up with the "Out East" sweatshirt design?
Bridget: I admire the late Princess Diana's sweatshirt game. She famously outsmarted the paparazzi by wearing the same sweatshirt several days in a row, denying them new material (cozy + strategic, truly genius). I found a photo of her in a Nantucket sweatshirt with a pair of oars, and that was the inspo! Before I lived here full time, my parents had a second home here, and my grandparents retired here, so heading "out east" was a household phrase, as it is for so many East Enders.
Vehicles, by Le Toy Van
Sustainably sourced, non-toxic, and durable, these small wooden toy vehicles are a beautiful (yet still very cool!) alternative to the widely popular die-cast options. The Goose stocks a dynamic range of the British toy brand’s vehicles in many styles and colors, making it hard to choose just one—just ask my car-obsessed son. Prices vary: $9.95- $14.95.
Bunk Bed and Fairy Mouse, by Maileg
These beautifully made little mice, in their fashionable clothing and chic accessories, are hard to resist, and that bunk bed?! Just darling. Fairy Mouse in Little Mint $22, Bunk bed in Wheat $64.
Q: What makes the Maileg brand so special?
This Danish brand has created an enchanting line of toys that encourages imaginative play and is made to last and be passed down for generations. It's fun to introduce customers to it, and just as fun when people walk in excited to see that we carry it. We've had several avid collectors visit the shop and even ask us to order specific pieces. The brand has been lovely to work with.
Lunch Notes Notepad, by Mr. Boddington’s Studio
One of my favorite displays in The Goose is the Mom Table, just to the left of the checkout counter. There, you’ll find thoughtful items like this lunch notes notepad, filled with fun and quirky prompts and questions to stash in your kiddos' lunchbox and surprise them at school. $34.50
The Goose is located at 211 E. Front St. in Greenport. Current hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 am–6 pm, and Sunday, 10 am–5 pm., with extended hours from Thanksgiving to Christmas for holiday shopping.