With construction in the doldrums, a leading local builder decided to diversify into a new industry.Hasco Construction last week opened a new bulk foods and household goods shopping warehouse, Hasco Imports, on Industrial Park Road in Southampton.Aimed at the growing number of shoppers looking for better deals and bulk goods in the economic downturn, Hasco Imports sells everything from dry food to home goods and toys. The company also offers customers a convenient import service on US catalogue items that need to be shipped in.The warehouse is a sister company of Hasco Construction, which has been in business locally for three decades as a top commercial and residential builder. Hasco Imports is owned by Martin and Lynn Hassell.The warehouse sells dry food (no refrigerated items), cases of sodas and other drinks, products for the home, paper products, cleaning supplies, pet food and more, and they have a large selection of toys in time for Christmas.Hasco Imports is located Near the Bermuda Golf Academy and SAL, in a building that was already owned by Hasco Construction.Asked why they decided to open the business, manager Michelle Hassell said it was due to the economic downturn and slowdown in construction.“We decided to widen the company instead of trying to make construction work,” Ms Hassell said, adding they had been doing a brisk business since last Tuesday when they opened.She said the warehouse’s large selection of toys included Barbie, Legos, Mr Potatoe Head, Disney and more.“We have a huge selection,” Ms Hassell said. “The toys are something we want to keep in stock.”Hasco Imports is open from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Fridays from 9am to 5pm.It is closed on Saturdays for religious reasons but open on Sundays from 11am to 5pm when customers will receive a five percent discount on all cash purchases.