There is a new shopping option for people looking for a bit of spice in their life.
The Timmins Bazaar has opened at 255 Third Ave., offering Indian foods like spices and sweets The owners are excited to meet the needs of newcomers to the community and pique the curiosity of long-time residents.
“We can cater to those consumers, that is something they never knew they could find in Timmins,” said co-owner Asif Shaikh.
The shop opened two weeks ago and the response has been very positive, said co-owner Vivek Thakur, especially when people are looking for items that aren’t available in the larger box stores.
“People are finding it easy to find all the products they need,” he said. “It’s always good to see that reaction.”
Shaikh said that even the candies at the front near the register, sitting in a jar, can bring that memory of home.
“We used to keep them all the time in our pockets when we were kids,” said Thakur.
Popular brands of cookies and savoury snacks with bright colours and familiar names to people who have been to India are on the first set of shelves as customers walk in.
That taste of home can be a lifeline for those who have recently moved to the area, and if anyone is looking for something specific that isn’t on the shelves, they are encouraged to ask.
“There are a lot of small things that brings a smile to their face,” he said. “When they find those small, small things, it’s a big impact.”
The location in the heart of downtown was a huge advantage, said Shaikh, and the owners have been renovating for the last six months.
“It’s been a lot of hard work behind us,” said Shaikh. “We didn’t find any better location, knowing transit is just behind us, lots of banks, Service Ontario, it’s very walkable.”
The store is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and, as demand grows, they are considering opening earlier.
They are also on Facebook and other social media under Timmins Bazaar.
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