May 27, 2016 Staff Report
Local artisans, food makers and merchants have an opportunity to join a curated pop-up shop launching next month in Long Island City.
Dubbed “MiQ” for “Made in Queens,” the store will be located at 27-24 Queens Plaza South. MiQ will provide a shared space for a rotating lineup of local merchants to sell their goods, including handmade crafts, house wares and small-batch food items.
The Queens Economic Development Corporation, which is behind the store, has released an open call for vendors interested in being a part of the pop-up ahead of its June opening.
Selected vendors will be given 30 square feet within the shop to set up their wares. Participation is on a temporary basis, and MiQ will be re-decorated each month to feature a new theme.
Merchants can rent space at MiQ for two weeks at $600 or four weeks at $1,000. MiQ will be staffed by salespeople, so the vendors do not have to be on site at all times. MiQ will collect sales tax, and vendors will receive their proceeds monthly along with tax forms to file quarterly reports, according to QEDC.
“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 in a statement. “The store will reflect the creativity and energy that is Queens.”
Currently, participation is open to New York State-based companies, and Queens residents get priority consideration. The shop will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Interested parties can learn more about the shop online here or reach out to info@madeinqueens.nyc.
