While we don't write a ton of posts about shopping in NYC—we're all about things to do, not buy—we do have a soft spot for local ma-and-pa stores for kids. And we get particularly excited when a new one opens up, especially if it's more than just a place to shop and is a true community destination.
That's the case with Lockwood, a brand-new 1300-square-foot shop in Astoria, Queens that's chock-full of designer women and kids' clothing, baby gear, vintage furniture, and unique gifts and knickknacks. The owner, longtime Astoria resident Mackenzi Farquer, calls Lockwood a "lifestyle store" because you can find a little something for every facet of your life at her shop. Plus there's a backyard and basement that will be used for kids' classes, parties and special events.
Named after Astoria's historical Lockwood Street (now called 30th Street), Lockwood is beautifully decorated, inviting and cozy. You very well may find Farquer, (who ran the popular but now-closed neighborhood boutique SITE NYC and founded the blog We Heart Astoria), sitting outside on the amazing stone stoop at the entrance. The storefront is wide open and enticing, and a sofa and a coffee table full of goods are the first things you see. It looks like someone's really well appointed home, the kind of place where there's a lot to envy.
Lockwood has multiple sections to explore like housewares, furniture and books, women's wear and T-shirts, children's toys and clothes, and gorgeous handmade jewelry. The shop is equally split between kids' and grown-up stuff. My kids really loved the Lego stacking crayons and penguin flashlights, while I enjoyed leafing through books on food and beer, and checking out cool wallets and bottle openers. It's got a great laid-back vibe that invites you to linger. When I was there I saw kids hanging at the coloring table, adults browsing and trying out furniture, and some teenage girls trying on jewelry.
Other favorites for kids include a large range of Zutano clothing up to size 6T, Paperflavor tees, Maptote onesies, Spitfire Girl embroidered kids' tees and whimsical handmade items like fairy skirts, tutus and princess wands. I also liked the I Heart Astoria and Queens tees, and a reversible superhero hoodie that's plain on the other side. There is a plethora of wooden toys, books, puppets, play food and Munipals subway trains, the perfect gift for choo-choo-obsessed tots. Plus baby basics like Skip Hop backpacks and Sugar Booger sippy cups.
Much of what Lockwood stocks is made locally, like Caru soaps, totes, jewelry and artwork. Working with community artisans is a big focus for Farquer, and she welcomes new submissions. The backyard and basement will host special events like the Queens County Market and other artist fleas and pop-up shops. There will also be classes, the first being a baby-wearing class offered every other Saturday by Metro Minis. Farquer plans to add crafts workshops, a play grocery, and yoga storytime and regular storytime on weekends soon, so parents can shop while the kids are entertained.
A bathroom is available to parents but be warned it's down a flight of non-stroller-friendly stairs. There is no changing table at this time.
Lockwood is located at 32-15 33rd Street between 34th Avenue and Broadway in Astoria, Queens.
Find out about other wonderful local kids' shops in New York City.