By Bill Parry
Jill Callan had a business plan.
When she opened her first upscale children’s boutique in her home neighborhood of Sunnyside three years ago, she had a goal of opening a second store in the Hunters Point Section of Long Island City.
She accomplished that in June when she opened up her second Tiny You, at 10-50 Jackson Ave., in a space double the size of her original location, at 46-21 Skillman Ave.
“So far, so good,” said Callan. “The business plan is working out just fine.”
At 800 square feet, the new store is double the size of the original, allowing for more community events like a photo workshop for parents held last week.
The other benefit is the current growth of the neighborhood. Hunters Points Civic Association founder Brent O’Leary describes the current boom as “a historic time in its unprecedented development.”
Eric Benaim, founder of Modern Spaces real estate, backed him up with some numbers.
“In the past year we’ve seen 2,000 residential units open in Hunters Point,” Benaim said. “And for the next three years you’ll see 2,000 more come on line each year.”
Callan knew it was the perfect place to open the only store dedicated to children’s clothing in the area.
“I definitely am seeing more repeat customers and the community events are really well-attended,” she said.
Tiny You offers unique products that are made by nearly a dozen local designers, and she believes she has an edge on big-box stores and suburban malls.
“People like to buy locally. Especially when it comes to babies clothes, they like to feel the fabrics,” Callan said.
The store also carries products for moms, including equipment like baby carriers and diaper bags as well as lotions and body wash.
She added that the excitement is building for her first holiday shopping season at the new Hunters Point venue. Santa Claus is visiting Tiny You for photos with kids Dec. 7 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and he will be at the original location in Sunnyside Dec. 14 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
A working mom herself, Callan believes she connects well with her customers. The 41-year-old is raising two young children along with the two stores.
“I have to say, raising the stores is a lot easier,” she said with a laugh, adding, “I have a good team behind me. It’s a challenge, but it’s also very rewarding.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
