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Artisinal crafters wanted for unique retail store in LIC

By Bill Parry

The Queens Economic Development Corporation is looking for vendors to participate in a boutique pop-up that the agency will open in Long Island City in late June. The unique retail store, dubbed “MiQ” for Made in Queens, will market handmade crafts, designer goods, housewares and small-batch, packaged food items.

Located at 27-24 Queens Plaza South, the venue will also provide information on tourism, entertainment and restaurant options in the borough. It will operate Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and manufacturers are urged to register online at www.madeinqueens.nyc to be part of the project.

Trill Tea, Fresh Routes, Sandra Smith, Worksman Cycles and Metrix Jewelry have already signed on

Rent for a 30-square-foot display area is $600 for two weeks or $1,000 for four weeks, while packaged food vendors pay only $100 to participate. Vendors are not required to be on site as this upscale shop will be staffed by qualified salespeople.

MiQ will collect sales tax, and vendors will receive their proceeds monthly along with tax forms to file quarterly reports.

“Located in one of the busiest transit hubs in the city and surrounded by thousands of new apartments, MiQ will be a great showcase for emerging businesses,” QEDC Executive Director Seth Bornstein said. “The store will reflect the creativity and energy that is Queens.”

Only New York state-based companies currently can participate, and Queens residents get priority consideration. For more information, try www.madeinqueens.nyc or contact QEDC Director of Business Services Sante Antonelli at (718) 263-0546 or [email protected].

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.