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What originally started as an idea for a furniture store quickly evolved into a children's shop thanks to life with Genie Lockwood own kids, Roman and Oscar, ages two and three. Owner of the new children's store, Arcade, in Hillsboro Village, Lockwood says, 'Motherhood has been such a huge but great shift I'm drawn to the same things that they are, such as bright colors.”
A Nashville native, Lockwood returned to her hometown after a decade in New York City, where she worked in vintage furniture and prints. 'I love the thrill of the hunt,” she adds, 'regardless of the medium.” Arcade carries books, toys, and clothingand the store itself is a destination for parents and kids alike. There's a full-size working photo booth as well as a giant projection screen in back that plays Disney and Charlie Brown films.
'It's cool to have a space that appeals to both parents and kids of all ages,” she adds.
The entire space is a visual treat, in fact, with Grimm's primary blocks, Haptic Lab boat mobiles, and window displays to rival any art installation. (Lockwood's husband, an artist, contributes to them.) Items come from all over the world: Mini Rodini apparel from Sweden, Manimal booties from Brooklyn, and Double Dutch prints from Athens, Georgia. Lockwood is always on the hunt for local artisans, too.
'I want all of the pieces in here to become keepsake pieces,” she adds.
As for where she draws inspiration and ideas for what to put on the shelves, she looks to her own toddlers. 'Things are so much better when seen through their eyes,” she says with a smile.
2106 Acklen Ave., 615-928-7660; arcadenashville.com