After making a success of their Dockyard store, Turkish Imports, Bulent and Teresa Ganal have headed east and opened “The Enchanted Grand Bazaar” in St. George’s.

The store opened on May 1 and is located next door to E. Michael Jones’ “Caffe Latte” on 8 York Street.

Mrs. Ganal is a Bermudian who met her Turkish husband, Bulent, on a blind date in Bermuda in 2001.

“Mutual friends set us up and we have been inseparable ever since,” Mrs. Ganal says. “We got married on September 7, 2003 and just had our first child, a little girl, Leyla on February 21 of this year.”

Asked what motivated them to open the business in St. George’s, Mrs. Ganal said: “We often spent our day off taking a drive to St. George’s and loved the quaintness of the town. We also knew that locals enjoyed driving to either ends of the island and would travel to shop if you gave them a reason to.”

Mr. Ganal is Turkish and the first time he took his wife to Turkey in 2002, she was enchanted with the variety and quality of the products that she suggested they bring some back to the island.

“We hosted a few carpet shows and noticed there was a definite interest in our products by locals. The products we sell are different from anything on the Island. We specialise in unique items for the home and also have great gift ideas for him and her,” said Mrs. Ganal.

When first you walk into the shop the shopper is met with a sense of awe at the attractive displays, especially the multi-coloured lanterns hanging from the ceiling.

The hanging lanterns are true eye catchers and are made with hand blown coloured glass and all take a tea light. The larger lanterns can also be electric. Each one is a little different and they look spectacular on the porch or any room in the house that you want to add some atmosphere.

“We have beautiful fabrics in our cushion covers, table runners, table cloths and bedspreads. They are all machine wash able and add style and sophistication to any room.

“Turkey is well known for their ceramics and we have a great selection of hand painted bowls, plates, and vases. coasters and trivets.”

They have over 200 handmade carpets in all sizes from various regions both traditional and contemporary designs. These carpets work well in Bermuda homes as we tend to have either tile or hardwood flooring.

“Our store offers a shawl for every season and every event such as the popular pashmina, wool and silk, 100 percent silk and velvet and silk. A woman knows you can never have too many shawls and they make great gifts too.”

Very interesting is their unique selection of carpet and leather bags in all sizes including the famous travel carpet bag. These travel bags will guarantee no one else will have your same bag going through the airport!

Customers can also find a selection of both fashion and handmade jewellery in their store. Mr. Ganal makes the handmade jewellery in their Dockyard store.

They have a selection of quality Bermuda gifts including Bermuda lanterns, book marks, wall hangings, hand towels, mirrors, pouches and more.

The Ganals describe the shop as a unique store to visit, a treat for your eye, and a pure pleasure to shop in. They offer products people need, items they desire, and unique gifts they have been searching for.

As business owners they describe themselves as extremely hardworking, focused on achieving a high standard of customer service, and a genuine interest in meeting and getting to know our customers.

The aspects they most enjoy are buying for the store.

“Although hectic, it is a real pleasure. Attempting to find something for various tastes can be challenging but hearing customers compliment the selection of products is truly rewarding,” said Mrs. Ganal.

The couple said the most demanding aspects of owning and running their businesses in St. George’s and Dockyard is finding the right staff that will uphold their high standard of customer service and work ethic. “We are fortunate to currently have a great team and the future looks bright.”

When asked about their location in St. George’s they said: “We couldn’t have picked a better location. Being right next to Caffe Latte (a coffee shop) is fantastic! We are able to expose the store to people stopping by for a coffee or a cold refreshment.”

“We are excited about being a part of a World Heritage Site! Being Bermudian, I am proud of being a part of something so significant. My husband has grown to love our culture and is pleased to share a little of his to Bermuda.”

Mr. Ganal said: “We just want to sell beautiful products at a reasonable prices and provide great customer service at the same time.

“I have always wanted to open a store and now we have two! I really enjoy making a lot of the jewellery in the store; it keeps me busy and I get a real satisfaction when I sell them.

“We are excited about being in St. George’s and meeting all the locals. We are giving locals another reason to come to St. George’s to visit and to shop. Residents enjoy shopping in Bermuda they just want somewhere that offers them something different. “

The hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their phone number is 297-5656 and the email is: turkishimports[AT]fkbnet.bm