JACKSON HEIGHTS — When the owner of Lockwood, a "lifestyle store" in Astoria, decided to open a second shop, she set her sights on Long Island City and Jackson Heights.
Ultimately, it was tree-lined 37th Avenue and its neighborhood feel that convinced Mackenzi Farquer to open in a 900-square-foot storefront at 77-13 37th Ave. in Jackson Heights, she said.
"The neighborhood reminded me of home," said Farquer, referring to the Chicago suburb she grew up in.
When she saw the storefront she said to herself, "This is it."
The Jackson Heights store will have most of the same offerings as the larger outpost in Astoria, but some will be left out because there won't be as much space, Farquer said.
The focus will be on housewares and kids things — dish-wares, pillows, candles, picture frames," she said.
The store is expected to open by August with a grand opening event in time for the new school year, though the plans are tentative, she said.
Farquer opened her first store, a gift shop called SITE NYC, in Astoria in 2007. She closed that shop in 2013 and opened it in a bigger space on 33rd Street near Broadway, with the new name Lockwood.
She expanded the 33rd Street store by opening a women's clothing store called Lockwood Style next door in October 2014.
Now, she's expanding again, but wants to stock the new store with the neighborhood's needs in mind. She hopes to get community feedback and adjust as she goes, Farquer said.
But one thing's certain: The new Lockwood will feature a floor-to-ceiling wall packed with children's books, toys and clothing, she said.
Farquer plans to feature local artisans and is working with a designer to make T-shirts specifically showing off Jackson Heights pride, she said.
She also hopes to capitalize on the foot traffic from the many parades that go down 37th Avenue, including the Queens Pride Parade in June, Farquer said.
"We're gonna get there for all the parades," she said. "We're going to be super interactive."
