The Art of Giving introduces a new island palette of home fashion gifts and designer decor

Freeport, Bahamas - One of Grand Bahama’s most-acclaimed new stores, The Art of Giving (in the front of The International Bazaar), recently introduced a distinctive new line of home fashion gifts and elegantly relaxed tropical designer fabrics, coordinating wallpapers, and interior design services.

In conjunction with licensed Interior Designer, M.M. Groves, The Art of Giving has become an inspired oasis of eye-catching and carefully selected home goods from all over the world. Fine Italian Vietri porcelain china, fresh-scented French soaps from Provence, bedding and linens hand sewn in America’s heartland, and the best from local Bahamian authors and artists with handmade paper art, cards, and glass
beaded jewelery.

The shop is also abloom with fresh floral designs that breathe new life into capturing the essence of island beauty and light. Refreshing accessories, picture frames, fabrics, stationery, candles, journal books, teas, china serving pieces, throws, gift packaging,
kitchenware, and thoughtful touches abound in the inviting environment The Art of Giving has created.

Albury offered “it is now up to us, the local residents, to be the catalyst to rejuvenate the Bazaar and make it great again. We are doing so, one store at a time and by the generous patronage of the Bahamian public.

To view the whimsy and delight of the newest island designer fabrics and home goods, you can find The Art of Giving along the front row of shops at The International Bazaar. The Art of Giving is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Saturday.

A new classy store opens in the International Bazaar

Owner of Classy Clutter, Sheila Johnson-Smith is pictured with Father Harry Bain who officially blessed and opened the store.

Barefoot Marketing

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Taking advantage of the increasing popularity of the revitalized International Bazaar, Shelia Johnson-Smith, opened 'Classy Clutter' in the arcade of the bazaar in early November. Smith's store is a one-of-a-kind home accessories and decor store. She noted, "It reminds you of shopping in home specialty stores in the US or Europe - but with our Bahamian flair."

Classy Clutter carries unique, one-of-a-kind accessories to help add those special touches to any home. Vases, lamps, pillows, decorative pieces and more fill the beautiful store at affordable prices just in time for the Christmas giving season. "It's these pieces of 'clutter' that add class to any home and create those eclectic touches that individualize your house," said Smith.

The motto of the store is 'Making Your World More Beautiful.' Smith noted, "If clients don't find what they want, no problem, we will find it for you and help make your home more beautiful in a flash." The store is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

New Tenant's Association breathes life into International Bazaar

Members of the International Bazaar Tenants’ Association are pictured in the bazaar’s world famous shopping arcade which tourists and locals alike are beginning to patronize once more. Left to right: Cindy Hall (Cindy’s Roti Hut); June Henderson ( Le Rendevous); Anitha Cooper (Bahamian Illustrated); Letishea Cooper (Bahamian Illustrated); Quentin Russell (DQ Swag Center); RuthAnn Newton Lightbourne (196); Mary-Ann Cooper (Kids World). Back row, Arizona Bain (Essentials); Marsha Cooper (Pretzel House); Roshema Rolle (Cogia’s Organic Food Café); Terez Bullard (T’s Junction); Ken Thompson (Jewelry Repair); Besheva Eve (La Maison de Besh) and Sharon T. Wallace (The Perfect Match). Photo courtesy of Tribune Media Services 

 Freeport, Bahamas - When you walk along the narrow corridors of the International Bazaar it seems like its many ghosts have left.
They have been replaced by the sounds of hammers and drills that are putting up new walls, stalls and countertops in stores that have for over six years bore the sign: Closed. There are people walking, shopping, mingling, laughing as they explore that which many deemed impossible and implausible.
The Bazaar has come back to life! Many stores are open and ready for business!

Clothes (for the big girls and the size twos), shoes and jewelry stores, toys, perfumes, bags, photo studios, business centers, food, drink, you name it, it’s there – all in one place for your one-stop shopping pleasure.
With each new day, the bazaar, which was haunted by the island’s failing economy, is being revitalized with the establishment of a new International Bazaar Tenants Association. This group is committed to restoring this once celebrated international tourist shopping mecca to its former glory, and renew its service to the community.
Since it opened in 1967, the International Bazaar grew to be a major tourist shopping area, luring people from all over the world with its inimitable multinational-themed architectural design that made the ten-acre property live up to its name. In 2004, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne quashed its economic lifeline with the closure of the neighboring Royal Oasis Resort.
Only two words could adequately describe the Bazaar in the aftermath of the storms: Ghost Town. Tenancy reduced from 90 to just over 30 tenants, but in 2010, that number has now swelled to nearly 60 and some believe it’s as a result of the new rental concessions and discounted business license fees by the Grand Bahama Port Authority. Yet others place the blame solely on faith.
New tenants have exercised clever business acumen by opening businesses that will not only assuage the tastes of tourists but primarily gain the allure of local consumers as well. The association also launched an aggressive marketing campaign to attract Grand Bahamians back to what many so fondly remember as a “special place” - for family, for friends, for a really great time.
Included in the slate of events to wind down the year are A Trick & Treat Through the Bazaar on October 30, from 3-8 p.m.; a Treasure Hunt on November 13; a Block Party on November 20th; and Open House and Cocktail Party on December 4.
Vice President of the International Bazaar’s Tenants’Association and co-owner of Le Rendevous Restaurant, Ron Jones, commented that more persons are encouraged to open businesses in the bazaar – filling up every vacancy and doing their part to pump life back into the Grand Bahama economy.
“I think there is a misconception in the community about the International Bazaar. What has happened is that for so many years it has depended on the Royal Oasis to survive and it’s been a tourist destination. There is a straw market here and we have been encouraging the straw vendors to come out and open their stores and that will bring tourists here,” he said.
“We don’t want tourists to come here and discover that there are only a few straw market stalls open. That defeats the whole purpose. So it is important that they come out, it will take a while before they make a profit for their efforts but if you’re not open, no-one will ever come. If you’re open, there’s reason to come.”
Anitha Cooper, Marketing Executive and owner of Bahamian Illustrated said the Bazaar is being restored to a place that is most inviting.
“When you get off from work, come on down. We have so much to offer; a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.” Chairman, RuthAnn Newton-Lightbourne, owner of 1-9-6, said that the main purpose of the association is to bring about the unification of all the businesses under one common goal.
“It’s all about bringing back the Bazaar as a total entity and not each store trying to advertise by themselves, which allows us to lower the advertising expenses as a group, instead of individual businesses.”
Other members of the Association’s board are: June Henderson (Le Rendevous), Secretary; Randall Cooper, ( Kids World) Treasurer; Anthony Gee (Goldilocks Jewelry Store, Assistant Treasurer; Nikki Cooper, Assistant Marketing Executive (The Pretzel House and Clippendales) and Letishea Cooper, (Bahamian Illustrated) Assistant Secretary.
While tenants bask in the new found air of potential that has been birthed from their sacrifices, there are those among them that cling to the belief that God’s hands have brought the Midas touch to the International Bazaar.
“It’s a miracle,” exclaimed Sophia Rolle, owner of Jubulee Bath and Body, who has been operating her business there for the past eight years.
“I remember the Seven Days of Washing last year and when people came here to pray and they prayed for seven days – walking around the bazaar at six o’clock in the morning, just praying for this bazaar to turn around. That was it! A year ago, nothing was happening but one year after prayer and seeking God’s face – in fact, within nine months - we saw a total transformation. This is just the beginning, but you ain’t seen nothing yet!”

Number of tenants in the International Bazaar continues to grow

 Store-owner, Arizona Bain prepares for the opening of ‘Body Bed & Bath’.

Submitted by Deidre Rahming 

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- In just a few short months, the number of businesses operating in the International Bazaar has risen to almost 50. For many of the new owners, rental concessions and the first year license fee waiver by The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) have been the impetus to start their new business.

According to Gaynel Kesson of ‘Elle Couture’, GBPA’s one-year business license exemption was a major stimulant. “The waiver, along with the generosity of the International Bazaar Association in reducing the rent, is what attracted me,” she explained.

Sharon Wallace, owner of ‘Perfect Match’, agreed. “I was looking into starting a new business and heard of the offer by the ‘Port Authority’ and the incentives offered by the Bazaar. So, I decided to try it out and see,” said Wallace.

Both owners wholeheartedly agree that they made wise decisions. “We’ve been open 2 weeks and despite having not done any advertising, the response has been remarkable with tourists even stopping in the store,” Wallace added.

Kesson noted that she sold out much of her stock of unique island flair items within the first month of operation and attributed much of her success to locals, who patronize other businesses within the revitalized complex, stopping in and browsing.

“I honestly feel that the International Bazaar is a good location,” stated Wallace. “As business persons we have to try and bring back areas that we knew were successful and I truly believe in the Bazaar.”

GBPA President, Ian Rolle is encouraged by such a response. "The intention behind the initiative was to stimulate activity in the once thriving International Bazaar. One way to achieve this was to lessen the cost of starting up a business in the Bazaar. Now, with the license fee waiver in place, more residents are able to become entrepreneurs and offer employment to others," explained Rolle.
President of the International Bazaar Owners’ Association, Chris Paine, is optimistic about the Bazaar’s revitalization, predicting a store count of 50 by the end of September and 60 by the end of the year. “Realistically, it’s a difficult time for new businesses because of challenges going on globally but we’ve come a long way in these couple of years,” he said.

According to Paine, local residents are definitely supporting all of the stores and plans are underway to meet with members of the Ministry of Tourism and the transportation industry to update them on recent developments so as to re-attract even more tourists to the once popular commercial center.

“As landlords and owners, we’re making a concerted effort to revitalize the Bazaar as a collective body. There has been good response due to incentives offered by GBPA with the license fee waiver. Additional spaces are still available for rent, so I would encourage anyone that is interested in opening a business to come in and talk with us,” implored Paine.

 A ‘Perfect Match’ shoe store is just one of many newly opened establishments, bringing the store count in the International Bazaar to almost 50.

The large variety of stores now opened in the International Bazaar offer a range of products, from small eateries, restaurants, shoes, clothing and designer wear, to unique gift items, souvenirs, and even kid’s supplies.

Now that business is on the rise, Paine promises that the public can look forward to the return of the Bazaar’s usual holiday marketing campaign and raffle in the months ahead, as well as the possibility of live entertainment returning to the renewed venue.

GBPA License Fee Waiver Attracting New Business in the International Bazaar

GBPA LICENSE FEE WAIVERS PROMPT MORE BUSINESS – A newly-opened retail store in the International Bazaar enjoys brisk business.

By Lashann Dames GBPA
Friday 14th May, 2010 – Freeport, Bahamas – Retail store proprietress Gloria Russell, opened up a new store in the International Bazaar two weeks ago. After qualifying for the ‘1st Year Free’ license fee waiver extended by The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), Russell has already applied to open 2 more stores in the Bazaar.

“In an effort to revitalize the International Bazaar, stimulate the small business sector, and encourage entrepreneurship on Grand Bahama Island, GBPA is pleased to announce that we will waive the first-year’s license fee, for all approved new license applicants with operating premises in the International Bazaar,” stated GBPA President, Ian Rolle.

According to Russell, those were the words that prompted her to act quickly to secure 2 more spaces. “I thought the license fee waiver was a wonderful thing because through it you can actually see that the Port Authority is trying to help local residents. The announcement made me feel good, excited and motivated all at the same time.

President of the International Bazaar Owners’ Association, Chris Paine, agreed. “The license fee waiver on the part of GBPA is a very positive incentive. It has certainly generated a lot of interest amongst owners and I think it’s served as a catalyst for new business in the Bazaar. In fact, it’s really in tandem with what we’re trying to do as an association,” commented Paine.

Prior to the hurricanes of ’04, ’05, the International Bazaar had 85 businesses in operation. At the end of December 2009, less than 30 businesses were open. Now, with the license fee waiver in effect, new tenants are applying regularly and almost 40 businesses are in operation.
What I would like to see within the next 4 months is for the count to rise where we have 60 businesses open and the process becomes self-perpetuating,” said Paine. “We want to create a domino effect where once you have businesses opening, others will want to open and they will then feed off each other.”

 INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR RENOVATIONS - A workman readies another store for occupancy as rentals in the International Bazaar spike

 
Russell is doing her part to spread the word about GBPA’s license waiver incentive and the Bazaar’s turnaround. “I’m already encouraging others to take advantage of the discounts,” she said.

Paine is buoyed by her enthusiasm and the support he’s received from numerous other businesses that have also recently opened their doors and are planning to do so.

“The idea is to be proactive and recreate the International Bazaar as an independent destination for local residents to enjoy. Also, to eventually restore it as a popular touristic attraction like what it once was in years gone by,” reflected Paine.

Le Rendezvous Restaurant Invites the Community to their Grand Opening, April 10th

 New operators of the relaunched Le Rendezvous Restaurant, Ron Jones and June Henderson invite the general public to their Grand Opening on Saturday, April 10th from noon until... Photo: Robbin Whachell

 By The Bahamas Weekly News Team

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - Le Rendezvous Restaurant in the heart of the International Bazaar in downtown Freeport has relaunched itself as the 'oasis of the Bazaar'. New operators, Ron Jones and June Henderson are excited to have their business open in a place that holds wonderful memories from the past but will also play an instrumental part of the resurgence of business and development currently taking place at the Bazaar, now with its 30 plus stores.

Although Le Rendezvous has had a soft opening the management is inviting the entire community to come down to the Bazaar on Saturday, April 10th for their Grand Opening, where one can sample their food and be served refreshments from 12 noon onward.

Le Rendezvous is the largest restaurant/food facility at the Bazaar and can seat 72 people indoors (air conditioning as needed) and 100 outdoors. The place has been spruced up with fresh paint and interior design.

Staff of Le Rendezvous Restaurant in the Bazaar. Left to right: June Henderson,Vanessa Roker, Eddie Miller, Nadine Munroe, Chef Dawkins and Ron Jones. Photo: Robbin Whachell

 Boasting an international menu, Chef Dawkins (no stranger to the community) will be cooking up everything from Bahamian delights, American burgers, etc. but also specialties like crepes are featured. Their conch burgers have already become popular by regulars.
Open now from Monday to Saturday, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Thursday to Saturday they are open from 8am until 10:30pm

"We chose the International Bazaar as we feel it gives the community a choice. There is ample parking here, and 24-hour security with a police station right on site. It's been a popular spot in the past and we believe it will be again," said operator Ron Jones.

The restaurant will certainly be another choice for business people as there is ample room and free WiFi. The restaurant is encouraging professionals in the community to book their meetings with them. A podium is also available. 

Le Rendezvous seats 72 indoors and 100 outdoors. Photos: Robbin Whachell

Also at the restaurant is an ice cream parlour with a great selection of kid's favourites like popcorn, hotdogs, chips, pastries, candies and sodas.

Theme nights will also be featured, and the venue is perfect for small gatherings, full weddings, or meetings.

So if you are looking to get away from the noise of the traffic, head on down to the Le Rendezvous and enjoy the sounds of the bubbling fountain. An oasis awaits you whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a cocktail.

Le Rendezvous provides free WiFi throughout.

Le Rendezvous Restaurant
  International Bazaar
242-352-9610
lerendezvous@coralwave.com

It's not the right place for The Farmers Market

By E. D. APPIAH

Freeport News Reporter
Freeport, Grand Bahama- Local attorney Fred Smith is preparing to file an injunction to stop the construction of the new Farmer's Market proposed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

Smith told reporters on Thursday that the papers could take anywhere from one to three weeks to have drawn up. Smith was among dozens of residents who attended the GBPA Town Meeting at the Our Lucaya Resort and expressed concerns regarding the company's plans to construct the facility at the Goombay Park near the International Bazaar.

"I represent, about 11 land owners just behind Goombay Park and their concern is having a fish and farmer's market where there's going to be rodents, where there's going to be a smell...where its going to be messy and dirty and unsanitary," said Smith. "It's going to decrease property value, its going to cause traffic problems, it's not going to be well maintained and they just don't think that its the right place."

According to Smith he and his clients have written a total of 17 letters to the GBPA and did not receive a response.

"We're very concerned that the Port Authority has made the decision to do it despite the fact that we wrote letters...from July to October, (we got) not one response even saying thank you very much for your letter we'll be writing to you soon, which I think was very rude," he said.

Smith says he has taken specific issue with the fact that GBPA officials did not complete the necessary public consultations before deciding to move forward with the project and questions whether or not the company would be able to effectively manage such a project.

According to GBPA President Ian Rolle, however, everyone cannot be pleased.

Speaking with members of the media following the meeting, Rolle noted that the company has taken into consideration the concerns of those who would be directly affected by the move; namely the Fish and Conch Vendors.

Another major concern for some residents was the fact that the company had not yet completed an environmental impact assessment study.

"Looking at the situation without the in-depth report, we feel that we can make this thing happen," Rolle said.

"Of course, we wouldn't put that first brick into the ground unless we know for sure that it is in fact safe to do what we want to do."

The GBPA executive noted too, that the project will have enormous benefits for the city of Freeport, and in particular, the International Bazaar. Rolle noted that the company is undertaking several new initiatives geared at revitalizing the area.

He also responded to naysayers, some of whom suggested that it was unfair to move the vendors from their current locations to the Goombay Park site.

"Their concern is that they have a sure market in the place where they are located now, they have traffic from persons going to the post office, or walking in that area," Rolle explained. "What we intend to do for a period in time, especially leading up to the Christmas season is to introduce a shuttle service between the current location and the new site. We are also committed to advertise the new site."

Overall, Rolle said the meeting was successful and that he was pleased that the majority of the vendors were happy with the direction being taken. The GBPA is expected to host more town meetings as the project progresses.