Sun staff
Jungle Jim’s International Market celebrated 40 years in business with a week-long bash August 17-22 at both the Eastgate and Fairfield locations.
“There’s stuff happening everywhere,” said “Jungle” Jim Bonaminio, founder. “My wife and her gang put this whole thing on, so to tell you the truth, I’m as surprised as anybody.”
Planning for the bash began a few months ago. Special events, including stilt walkers, mimes, caricature artists, face painting, store tours, raffles, food samples and a fireworks show on August 22 were all focused on customer appreciation, according to Marketing Associate Stephanie Adams.
“Everyone’s been so supportive and friendly. This has been a great week,” Adams said. “We’ve never done anything like this before, so this has been really exciting, and the customers are definitely loving it.”
She added, “I’m really excited for the fireworks.”
Customers were also invited to enjoy food and product demos.
“We reached out to all of our tenants, vendors and companies that we’ve worked with, and they have been so responsive,” Adams said. “They have supported us from the beginning of this whole planning process, so we really appreciate their support.”
The weeklong bash was also expected to bring in extra revenue for the store, according to Adams.
“I’m sure there will be some people that have never been to the Eastgate store that might come check it out for the first time. Or some people that came to our opening, and haven’t been back since, might be coming back to experience the week-long celebration,” she said.
Bonaminio has grown the company from a roadside market he operated throughout the Greater Cincinnati area into two giant stores filled with products from all over the world.
He said his recipe for success is making sure he’s always moving forward.
“I like the action, I like the people, and I like the whole thing about business,” Bonaminio said. “I’m always trying to make things better. That’s what we’re doing right now. People say they love the store, and I’m looking at the store and I’m seeing all the opportunities that we can make it better. I walk around here, and there are so many exciting things because customers are coming from all over, and I want to make sure this place is going to be great for all the people.”
Customer Allicia Hayes, of Union Township, attended the birthday cake cutting in the store’s bakery on August 26, with her son.
“I think the celebration is fabulous. It’s kind of a big party and everyone feels it around here. Walking in, it’s just kind of an exciting thing,” Hayes said. “We came to the touch-a-truck yesterday, we’ll be here tomorrow for all the events, we’ll be here for the car show Friday, and we’ll be at the fireworks.”
Hayes, a loyal customer to Jungle Jim’s, said she shops at the store every week.
She said, “I love the employees, the environment, the produce and the meat section. They’re all absolutely fantastic. I can’t find better deals or quality anywhere.”