A local developer has planted the seeds to land a store that is the “apple” of shoppers’ eyes.
The Heskel Group, located in Forest Hills, has been trying for many years to lure an Apple store into the Queens area.
“I’ve been working on it for a long time,” said Heskel Elias, founder of the Heskel Group. “Nothing is written in stone; nothing concrete.”
Though an Apple spokesperson said the company has not made any announcements regarding any new stores, politicians and residents alike are excited for the possibility.
“I think it would have a great effect on the borough and Forest Hills,” said Councilmember Karen Koslowitz. “It would have a great economic impact.”
The councilmember said she is an Apple store shopper and is tired of having to travel to Long Island or Manhattan to shop.
“We need an Apple store in Queens,” said Rob Howard, a student at Queens College. “Whenever you want to get your phone, computer or iPod serviced, you have to travel all the way into the city.”
The Big Apple already has six of the technology giant’s stores, but only one — in Staten Island — outside Manhattan.
Austin Street provides a perfect location, the councilmember said, thanks to its easy accessibility.
“It’s wonderful that stores, like Apple, recognize there is great need for them to come into our neighborhoods,” she said. “Queens is a great place. I’m very excited about it.”
