The
West Side Bazaar, 25 Grant St., is welcoming everyone to come do their holiday
shopping there, where there are a variety of unique items from which to choose. The
shop features many vendors from all over the world selling anything from
handmade hanging baskets, to authentic cuisine from whatever country they are
from. Gysma Kueny, pictured, is a vendor at the West Side Bazaar who is from South
Sudan. Kueny is a firm believer in people shopping for their gifts at places
like the West Side Bazaar instead of going to a chain store that is in the
mall. “Our stuff comes from all over the world,” Kueny said. “You can come find
stuff at the West Side Bazaar from different countries.” Kueny believes that
this could be a good alternative for people who want authentic items from all
over the world, but cannot afford to go to the country to get them. Nadin
Yousef, a vendor from Iraq also believes that it would be beneficial for
customers to shop at the West Side Bazaar instead of a larger corporation.
“When they shop here they support the small business,” Yousef said. “Here they
don’t need to go to many places. If you want something from India, it’s here.
Africa, it’s here. Iraq, it’s here.” Many of Yousef’s products are handmade,
and she offers classes to teach people how to make macramé. Macramé uses a
variety of material, and she teaches you how to make plant hangers, jewelry,
and wall hangings from the materials given to you. The West Side Bazaar is open
11a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. By Alyssa Brannigan and Taylor Carruth
