The Hamptons have always been a beachside satellite of New York, a place where city dwellers can escape, relax and spend money. Because it is geographically more condensed than many other resort destinations, nestled in a small stretch at the tip of Long Island, it has become a fertile testing ground for brands big and small. For those with a large following and major name recognition, it’s a chance to position themselves close to an affluent market. For burgeoning brands, it’s an opportunity to usher those same affluent customers in on the ground floor, familiarizing them with a particular product and ethos early on.