Nick Bhandari combines his love of art and business to offer tourists and Calgarians unique treasures at his Gift Plus store in Eau Claire Market. Nick emigrated from India in 1990 and worked at a retail store until 1996, when he was ready to buy his own place. “I wanted to make a change from mass-produced items that are the same as other gift stores," says Nick. "So to differentiate myself I started doing more artistic work.”
Gift Plus has specially designed ornaments, mementos and tapestries that feature the work of North American art, mostly Canadian and First Nations artists. “They are based on the artist’s painting. Like coffee mugs and ornaments with the paintings on them,” says Nick.
Nick has created a vast network of artist representatives he deals with to bring in these pieces for Gift Plus. "It took a few years to learn it,” says Nick. “You can’t sell unless you know what you’re selling. Now I know my product. I can tell you the story behind an item or behind an artist.” Gift Plus carries the largest selection of Painted Ponies in Calgary and also a good selection of Willow Tree Angels by artist Susan Lordi.
