A new East Village home for Gizmo

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After months of searching, the owners of Gizmo have found a new storefront for their sewing supply and repair business.

Rosa Malmed and Hossein Amid recently signed a new lease for 626 E. 14th St. between Avenue B and Avenue C ... and just picked up the keys...

Rosa and Hossein previously looked at this storefront. They circled back to it after finding nothing else in the neighborhood that was within their budget and accessible for customers with mobility challenges.

The new space is in a salon that closed during the pandemic. When they arrived, it was still full of beauty supplies. The couple is currently boxing up the salon's remains to donate.

As renovations continue in the weeks ahead, the iconic Gizmo neon sign that hung in its longtime First Avenue window will return. The phone number (212-477-2773) and website are the same. Hours will be flexible initially, but the couple said they are considering opening five days a week from noon to 6 p.m. 

Rosa and Hossein wanted to express their gratitude for the community's support after news broke in January that they would need to find a new outpost for their longtime business. They are already planning a grand opening celebration. 

Hossein said they want to be open by the end of September, as he wants to be up and running before Halloween. 

"Halloween is my best day," he said. "I love Halloween and all the Halloween people." 

Rosa also confided that she loves Banksy and wants him to come and install a piece of artwork on the side of the building. "Banksy," she said, "if you are out there, I have the key and can make this wall perfect for you!" 

In the interim, much work is needed to prepare the space and move all their stuff from storage. They hope to get some neighborhood volunteers to lend a hand. 

Gizmo spent the previous 32 years at 160 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. Their landlord did not offer them a lease renewal (this on top of rent increases that made it increasingly difficult to stay here anyway). 

Meanwhile, the former Gizmo space remains tenant-free ...

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• That's all for now for Gizmo