Aug. 12, 2015 By Michael Florio
The owner of a lifestyle store in Astoria plans to open a satellite operation on 37th Avenue by the beginning of September.
Lockwood, which primarily sells house ware and children’s items, is expected to open at 77-13 37th Ave by Sept. 3, according to owner Mackenzi Farquer.
Farquer said she aims to open sooner. She wants to be able to be bring in business during the back-to-school rush.
Farquer opened the original Lockwood on 33rd Street in Astoria in 2013, and then a women’s clothing store right next door–called Lockwood Style- in 2014.
Several of Farquer’s Astoria customers have moved to Jackson Heights over the years, which is why she considered opening in this neighborhood.
She checked out the area and was drawn to 37th Avenue, she said.
“I fell in love with it,” she said, making particular note of the trees. “It is the central hub of the neighborhood and people are always walking by.”
She also likes her location because it is across the street from P.S. 69, the local elementary school.
Farquer hopes to sell plenty of children’s items. The back third of the store will be a children’s section with backpacks, lunchboxes, toys and children clothing.
“This is our top selling section in Astoria and we anticipate it will be in Jackson Heights too,” she said. “It is such a family friendly neighborhood.”
Farquer said that she looks forward to being part of the different parades and community events that are held on 37th Avenue.
“It is very important for us to be a part of the community,” she said.
The signage for the new store has yet to go up, which she said adds a bit of mystery.
“People know something is opening but are not sure what…so they keep poking their heads in to see,” she said.
Prior to opening Lockwood in Astoria, Farquer owned SITE, a gift shop she opened in Astoria in 2007.
She closed the shop and decided to change the name to Lockwood when she moved into the bigger location in 2013.