Business & Tech

New Stainton's Co-op Announces a May 19 Opening

Ocean City merchants hope Stainton's will become a new downtown draw.

, a downtown Ocean City landmark, is celebrating its centennial year with the grand opening of its new Gallery of Shops from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19.

The more than 70 distinct boutiques at Stainton's offer a vast array of diverse merchandise from apparel, accessories and art, to furnishings, photography, pottery and woodcraft. Visitors are encouraged to explore the maze-like galleries — with unusual items around every turn.

"We feel honored to be a centerpiece for the downtown Ocean City stores," said Harry Bassford, Stainton's manager. "Stainton's shops are just one of the many new and exciting changes to the area, but there is a wealth of artistry and craftsmanship here that really makes downtown Ocean City extraordinary."

With an immense 22,000 square-foot floor, Stainton's Gallery of Shops consists of a collective of 70 individual vendors offering merchandise in more than 80 department-like shops. Larger and more diverse than neighboring alliances such as Cape May's "The West End Garage" or Clermont's "The Marketplace at Teabury," Stainton's plans to attract both visitors and residents alike with the convenience of a single floor and check-out area, as well as free Wi-Fi in its lounge and cafe.

Named after the illustrious Howard S. Stainton, the Stainton's building has been a hub for the Ocean City community for decades. Beginning with a small structure built in 1912, Stainton expanded his dry goods business into a sizable department store, overlooking Model T's and petticoats on bustling Asbury Avenue. Today, the new Gallery of Shops hopes to reestablish this historic property's former splendor and celebrate the arrival of a decidedly new shopping experience. 

— News release from Stainton's: A Gallery of Shops

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(Check back for additional coverage of the addition of Stainton's to the downtown.)


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