Hudson River Exchange

Hudson River Exchange is a market and shop based in Hudson, New York. Founded in 2013 by Kate and Stella Yoon, the focus is on handmade and vintage, alongside local farm produce at the markets. The flagship market is held every June at the Waterfront Park in Hudson. Two tents house a group of 80 makers, collectors, and farmers. There are specialty food stands and trucks, and an assortment of community groups and nonprofits. In 2015, two years after establishing the market Kate and Stella opened their Hudson studio space to the public, transforming it into a retail space featuring a rotating selection of makers. Every month there is a new set of designers and makers, showcasing a mix of product including clothing, accessories, jewelry, home goods, vintage and art. The shop is open May to October, and December for a Holiday pop up. During the fall months Kate and Stella host a series of workshops that further the education of the creative entrepreneur. Over the years Hudson River Exchange has collaborated on several markets, including Basilica Farm & Flea, a bi-annual event in Hudson, and Bethel Woods Arts Center Harvest Festival, for which they curated a collection of makers.

The Shopkeepers

Kate Moore and Stella Yoon are both inspired by the Hudson Valley’s creative community; the Hudson River School painters, antique dealers, farmers, shopkeepers, and community groups. They both appreciate the renegade spirit of Hudson, found in a really interesting mix of people doing interesting things – and say everyone has a story and a project. They are both foodies and big fans of office supplies. Hawkins New York is a favorite destination for supplies and Talbott & Arding a favorite for provisions. Other Hudson favorites are The Spotty Dog, for pints and art books, and FlowerKraut for flowers and sauerkraut.

On the Future of Retail

“I remember reading an article in the New Yorker about 10 years ago about with the growth of online retailers like Amazon causing the slow death of department stores. It’s probably true that the traditional retail experience at a place like the department store has changed because of the online marketplace but not in the disappearance of brick and mortar. If anything, it makes sense that there is a movement of stores becoming multi-use spaces.”

Stella Yoon

“Both in our own space and in the ‘shops’ we love around the country we are seeing a lot more of retail space meets community center. Classes being held, coffee or drinks offered with comfy chairs to hang out in, meet ups happening in the evenings. They are more creative centers than spots for straight transactional commerce. A lot of the creativity seems to come from the fact that many of these shops are run by artists, which is great. For a handful of years it felt like the term ‘lifestyle’ was just getting used to death. But it really was about the whole ‘style’ being represented in a store – clothes, books, furniture. Now the ‘life’ is there – people, gatherings, collaborations. For the past two years we have held a Spring Social in collaboration with a local restaurant in which we invite local creatives – people we see often in work settings – to come and socialize, celebrate, and network. It helps us foster one of the most enjoyable aspects of Hudson River Exchange – the community that has grown up around making, creativity and our Hudson Valley community!”

Katherine Moore