As the calendar flips to 2023, QNS is taking a look back on some of our top stories from 2022.
Here are some of our most-viewed business stories of the year:
Rego Center IKEA announces December closure
The popular hardware store IKEA closed the doors of its Rego Center location on Dec. 3. The announcement comes less than two years after the location first opened its doors in January 2021.
“Since IKEA Queens opened in January 2021, we’ve loved being a part of your community,” the company said in a statement. “Thank you for choosing us as your go-to destination for affordable home furnishings and fresh design inspiration.”
The store suffered from flooding in September 2021 as a result of the remnants from Hurricane Ida. Certain sections of the store were temporarily closed off in order to repair the flood damage over the months that followed.
Governor Hochul praises work of Jamaica’s downtown revitalization initiative
Governor Kathy Hochul joined several community leaders in July to celebrate the completion of Greater Nexus, a new office building part of Jamaica’s downtown revitalization initiative.
Located at 89-14 Parsons Blvd., the building was expected to be available to 80 to 100 tenants starting Aug. 1.
According to Hochul, this new building is meant to help local aspiring entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses while also forging connections with fellow businesses in the building.
The completion of the project is more than two years in the making, having broken ground prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2019. Its total cost was $11 million. Hochul believes this building can help encourage people to go back to work in offices in order to better build connections.
“This is created by the community,” Hochul said. “The timing is perfect to welcome individuals who will be helping build back or reimagine our post-pandemic world as they sit here and come up with great ideas.”
More than a thousand employment seekers flock to JFK Airport job fair
JFK Airport held a job fair in November in an effort to hire local workers and help to bring economic benefits to local communities.
The job fair featured more than 45 employers, including airlines, terminal operators, concessionaires and a wide array of companies that provide the support services needed to keep the airport running.
A wide range of positions was available at the job fair, including openings for customer service representatives and flight attendants for the airlines, food service positions, ramp agents, airport operations, retail workers, divers and aircraft maintainers, among other positions.
Officials from the TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection were on hand to explain the process of receiving security clearance for anyone who is hired for jobs in post-security locations
Primark, an international clothing retailer that offers quality fashion at great value prices, hosted a private shopping experience on Monday, Nov. 28, for local public school students from P.S. 312 and P.S. 40 on Jamaica Avenue ahead of its 15th store opening in the United States.
The new store, located at 162-10 Jamaica Ave., opened its doors to the public on Dec. 1 and features a selection of womenswear, menswear, children’s clothing, health and beauty products, activewear and homeware.
Kevin Tulip, president of Primark USA, said he’s excited for the future for Primark in New York, as the company’s current stores have shown the important role it can play in the region as an affordable and inclusive retailer, bringing back the allure of brick-and-mortar shops.
“Primark offers shoppers affordability without sacrificing quality. Whether they are shopping for their own essentials, the latest trend pieces, or fulfilling loved ones’ holiday wish lists, we have something for everyone in the family and we are committed to delivering the best value on the high street,” Tulip said.
Gamehaus, a new multifunctional entertainment venue and beer hall, opens in Long Island City
Gamehaus, a new, two-floor indoor and outdoor multifunctional venue nestled in the heart of Long Island City, celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday, Sept. 21.
Gamehaus, located at 5-14 51st Ave., serves as a sporting club, restaurant, arcade and beer hall. The venue features a selection of over 20 beers from mostly NYC and tri-state area microbreweries, alongside an array of craft cocktails, mocktails and bar food, elevating comfort food classics.
The venue is a family-owned small business operated by co-owners Stephen Cheng and Corissa Leong in partnership with El Grupo SN (Somewhere Nowhere), a New York-based hospitality company.
“We wanted to create a multifunctional entertainment venue that best represents and appeals to the residents of our neighborhood,” Leong said. “Whether it be an individual looking for a place to have a great meal with a wide selection of beer, cocktail [or] mocktail options, to friends looking for a place to catch up while watching the big game, or a young family looking to host their kids’ birthday parties in our upstairs arcade and games loft, we aim to find a spot where there is something for everyone.”
