Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Updated 2/26: Unfortunately, the deal for a new Gizmo space fell through, and Rosa and Hossein are searching again for a new space. Details here.
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After 32 years in business on First Avenue, Gizmo will relocate at the end of February.
Owner Hossein Amid (below) said that his rent has increased at 160 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street to a point where he can no longer afford it.
Amid is considering two smaller spaces, either on 10th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue or 14th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
"Staying on the Avenue is too expensive," he said. "We are downsizing, a smaller store, but still in the neighborhood."
Meanwhile, there are some sales at the shop packed with fabrics, notions and thread. They also offer sewing machine repair services.
Gizmo is usually open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Phone: (212) 477-2773.
I'm so glad he intends to remain in the neighborhood, and I hope he will get a good location with a sustainable rent!
ReplyDeleteHe and his shop are a rare resource these days for those of us who still SEW, and I've always found him to be helpful & pleasant, and fair in his dealings.
When I first moved to the East Village, there were so many fabric and sewing shops within the boundaries of the Lower East and Canal Street, you could always find what you needed from the knowledgeable folks who owned them. Now, these shops are as scarce as hens teeth.
ReplyDeleteI wish him the best of luck with the relocation. He is a wonderful resource.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteThe great great Mayor of 1st ave.
ReplyDelete🥇♥️♥️♥️
I walked by that store the other day and wondered how it was holding on. I hope the move is successful. Expertise and well-chosen stock are not as easily replicable as private equity would have you believe.
ReplyDeleteHE IS THE BEST. I got a sewing machine 25-30 years ago at the pawn shop that's no longer at the corner of 11th & 3rd. All metal parts. He's the only person who has tended to my machine, and it needs tending!
ReplyDeleteHe is absolutely incredible--so gutted that he has to move, but truly hopeful he can find a more affordable spot. The sweetest man, and greatest resource!!! ❤️
ReplyDeleteI don’t really have any use for his wares BUT I’ve been walking past his shop for years and I’m very happy that he’s staying in the neighborhood!! Best of luck with the move!! 🙏🙏😉🍀
ReplyDeleteso glad not lose gizmo xoxoxoxoo
ReplyDeleteSeeing Gizmo in the headline was a heart stopper! Glad it's not such bad news.
ReplyDeleteI love Gizmo. I went in one day looking for a certain kind of hook-and-eye for a coat. When I expressed surprise that Hossein had exactly what I was looking for he commented nonchalantly, “Gizmo has everything.” Indeed it does! Glad he stay in the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteI moved to EV on 10th St in 1977. Hoosein was one of the last men standing from that era--shops along First Ave, 14th St-to Houston St. Now only H&W Hardware (13th St) & Brickman Hardware (3rd St) remain. Both family-owned.
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