Casa Elegante features unique products from around the world

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The Greater Moncton International Airport is no longer just a destination for outgoing and incoming travellers, but it is also a great location for shoppers looking to make a one-of-a-kind purchase.

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VIKTOR PIVOVAROV/TIMES & TRANSCR

Casa Elegante owner Kikoo Vaswani hangs skirts at his store at the Greater Moncton International Airport.

Casa Elegante, a shop featuring merchandise from around the world, opened earlier this year in the airport and since then word has been spreading quickly about its unique and colourful wares.

Kikoo Vaswani owns and operates the store. He says all the items are hand-picked by him and he's always careful to make sure he brings back variety.

Bright and funky clothing and accessories for women line the store, including scarves, bags and jewelry -- all directly imported from Thailand and India.

Vaswani ventures to Thailand and India at least four times a year to purchase new merchandise.

"I'm looking for something different and things people can't find at the mall or other stores," he said.

Vaswani, who moved to Moncton in 1985 after spending three years in Vancouver, is an area businessman. His store was previously located on Main Street, but, he had to close due to a number of factors, including low customer traffic.

Since the store moved to the airport in February, he said sales have risen and traffic from consumers is steady.

Casa Elegante occupies the space where Tidewater Books was formerly located.

Vaswani said the store is in the process of hiring new staff as another location within the post-security area of the airport is due to open in the very near future.

After that, expansions for Casa Elegante will continue with a downtown Halifax branch of the store set to open shortly.