Mobile businesses on Long Island: Hometown Flower Co., Southhampton Soap Co. and Barna Bee Honey
When you’re shopping for a special gift or a little self-indulgence, some of the coolest items aren’t found in stores, but on wheels. Long Island companies that sell products out of their mobile pop-ups at farmers markets, special events and beyond are becoming a popular alternative to brick-and-mortar stores. On the road again is their shared motto.
Owners of these traveling companies appreciate the lower overhead, the flexibility as well as the access to locales across Nassau and Suffolk countries. Buckle up and ride along for a tour of three local businesses that are custom designed to turn heads:
Hometown Flower Co.
Hometown Flower Co. vehicles used for a mobile business in Huntington. The two vehicles in the fleet are Baby Blue, a 1974 Ford F-100 truck and Bitty Blue, a Vespa Scooter. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Southampton Soap Co.
Deborah and Chris O'Shaughnessy, owners of the Southampton Soap Co. in Water Mill, inside their vintage 1975 Chevy step van that they use as a mobile storefront for their products. Credit: Steve Pfost
Various products inside the vintage 1975 Chevy step van that the Southampton Soap Company uses as a mobile storefront for their products. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
Barna Bee Honey
Margaret Barna at her apiary and “ honey house” where she produces and bottles her “ Barna Bee” honey in Holbrook. Credit: Linda Rosier
Barna Bee Honey operates from a 1994 Suzuki Carry truck that Holbrook-based owner Margaret Barna had shipped from Japan. Credit: Barna Bee Honey/Barna Bee Honey
