Podcast Summary: All Of It – Go Local: Queens

Host: Alison Stewart (A)
Guest Expert: Caroline Weaver (C), “The Locavore” – owner of Locavore Variety Store
Date: December 22, 2025
Focus: Exploring unique, independent shops in Queens, NY, as part of a local holiday gift guide.

Main Theme

The episode celebrates the diverse and evolving retail landscape of Queens, New York, encouraging listeners to shop locally, especially for the holidays. Local shop owner and retail expert Caroline Weaver shares her insights and recommendations on standout shops, and listeners call in to highlight their favorite local gems as well.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Queens: A Borough in Transition

• Demographic Changes: Queens’ population has grown nearly 8% (now close to 2.4 million residents), with many young business owners and a notable sense of renewal—especially in neighborhoods like Astoria and Ridgewood.

  "There are a lot of really interesting shops with young business owners in Queens, many of whom are Queens natives." (C, 02:20)

• Tangible Change: Mention of new developments such as the Tangram Mall in Flushing—a rare, contemporary shopping mall blending chain stores and local businesses.

2. The Human Touch in Local Retail

• Respect in Small Shops: Caroline and Alison discuss etiquette (not using your phone at checkout; asking before photographing), but most importantly, remembering the human connection at independent businesses.

  "You're in a space created by a human and you are interacting with humans... that's what makes it so wonderful." (C, 03:17)

3. The Holiday Shopping Experience

• Retail Rush: The pre-Christmas weekend is a frantic but rewarding time for shop owners.

  "It was harrowing. This job is not for the faint of heart... it was just chaotic and fun and wonderful." (C, 03:40)

Standout Shops & Listener Favorites

4. Curated Shop Recommendations in Queens

Caroline shares a borough-wide gift guide, focusing on shops with distinctive character, community ties, and unique offerings.

Food & Sweets

• Aigner Chocolates, Forest Hills
  • One of NYC’s oldest chocolate shops. Known for pistachio marzipan and whimsical gifts like a “chocolate pizza slice” complete with gold-tinted crust and “pepperoni.”

  "It's like textured, it has gold on the crust, and it's drizzled with like white chocolate cheese and it has red pepperoni. And it's such a funny and delicious gift." (C, 04:30)

• Standalone Cheese, Jackson Heights
  • European cheeses, provisions, and “the friendliest cheese shop of all time,” run by husband-wife team Stefan and Jenny.

  "They can steer you in the right direction if you know nothing about cheese." (C, 06:16)

• Schmidt Candy, Woodhaven
  • Over 100 years old. Family-run with hand-made chocolates, classic sweets, and nostalgic atmosphere. (Caller Maya, 12:51)

Gifts, Books, & More

• Bliss by Violet Volition, Sunnyside
  • Tiny woman-owned shop packed with gifts: candles, upcycled vintage, children’s items, books.

  "She always has a hot toddy waiting for you on the outside so you can get drink and come in and browse." (Caller Rachel, 06:42)

• In Casa, Astoria
  • High-quality home goods, tableware, and colorful, handcrafted Mexican ceramics and glassware.

  "If you're looking for affordable tableware that's unique, I can't think of a better place in Queens or really in the city." (C, 10:06)

• Newtown HQ, Astoria
  • Renovated gift shop with a focus on local makers, pop culture, blind boxes (mystery collectible toys), stickers, stationery.

  "It's great if you're shopping for a teen... She's got an amazing selection of die cut stickers by local artists." (C, 14:17)

• The Brass Owl, Astoria
  • Gifts, accessories, presents for “the It Girl,” New Yorker, and more. Owner Nicole is praised as a gifting expert and supporter of independent retail.

  "It's a true gift shop. There's something in pretty much every little category." (C, 16:37)

• Lockwood (multiple locations including Astoria & Sunnyside)
  • Local “mini gift shop empire,” known for stationery, home goods, bar supplies, vegan bags, and more.

  "If you don't know what you need to get in the 11th hour, go to Lockwood. They will take care of you." (C, 17:50)

• Helen Levi Ceramics, Ridgewood
  • Studio open on Saturdays; popular for mugs and “Cup Club” mug subscription.

  "Everything is so beautifully crafted and durable. It's great for everyday life." (C, 18:56)

Specialty & Hobby Shops

• Art Retail Therapy, Elmhurst
  • Community art store with classes and events for all ages, independent and newer in NYC’s dwindling art-supply landscape.

  "It is truly a community space for anybody who wants to make something or is learning to make something." (C, 11:48)

• Left Field, Ridgewood
  • American-made, vintage-inspired clothing, mostly menswear, unique knitwear & accessories in a former sweater factory.
• Gamestoria, Astoria
  • Buy board games, Magic the Gathering cards, and play in-store with friends.
• Mog Mog Market, Long Island City
  • Japanese grocery with fish, prepared foods, high-end imported groceries, and specialty gift melons.

  "They are known for having yubari melons in stock, which are those very fancy Japanese melons. I think they're like $100." (C, 21:15)

• Special Mentions from Listeners:
  • Anthony’s (Austin St.): Men’s fashion and accessories.
  • Carmel Grocery (Forest Hills): Middle Eastern, European, and Russian groceries.
  • Timeless and Finds (Forest Hills): Vintage, antiques.
  • Cookie Crumbs (Astoria): Gifts, coffee, beloved gluten-free cookies.

5. Neighborhoods with an Indie Shopping Spirit

• Ridgewood is highlighted as an “it” neighborhood now for shopping (Lichen for furniture, Graceland for accessories, Topos for books, Forever Young for kids’ goods).
• Astoria’s mix of classics and new ventures is celebrated.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Supporting Local:

  “If we want shops to exist, we can't let them be the background of our lives. We have to participate and we have to actually shop at the shops.” (C, 23:42)

• On Gifting:

  "Go to a store, see what speaks to you. See what reminds you of somebody. Those gifts often tend to be the best ones." (C, 23:13)

• Community Shoutouts:

  • "She is so well respected by the people in the neighborhood that she gets voted one of the best in the neighborhood every year too. That's how wonderful she is." (Caller Rachel, on Bliss, 06:42)
  • “He’s got an amazing eclectic collection of accessories and fashionable menswear stuff that I've only seen at his shop.” (Caller Patrick, on Anthony’s, 10:42)

Notable Listener Calls (with Timestamps)

• Rachel (Nyack) – Bliss, Sunnyside – [06:42]
• Lynn (Astoria) – In Casa – [09:18]
• Patrick (Queens) – Anthony’s clothing & Meanwhile Back in Queens digital platform – [10:42]
• Maya (Ridgewood) – Schmidt Candy, Woodhaven – [12:51]
• Jennifer – The Brass Owl, Astoria – [15:39]
• Sheila (Long Island City) – Lockwood – [17:05]

Caroline Weaver’s Final Thoughts

• Trust your instincts when shopping for gifts—don’t overthink it. Local, physical stores offer a connection and unique surprises not found online.
• Small shops only survive if people actively choose to support them, especially during the important holiday retail season.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Context for Go Local: Queens – [00:07-02:05]
• Queens Retail Trends – [02:20-02:58]
• Retail Etiquette & Human Side – [03:17]
• Holiday Rush for Shop Owners – [03:40]
• Caroline’s Queens Gift Guide – [04:08-18:56]
• Listener Recommendations & Conversations – [06:42-17:05]
• Specialty Shop Highlights – [18:20-21:57]
• Neighborhood Round-Up & Final Thoughts – [22:24-23:42]

Takeaways

• Shop local for the holidays: There’s a thriving, imaginative small business community in Queens.
• Supporting independents makes a difference: Personal connections, special gifts, and vibrant neighborhoods are all on offer when you choose local retailers.

Caroline Weaver's Locavore Guide to Shopping in New York City is a resourceful companion for those eager to support and explore their own boroughs.