Beginning by June 16, Albanians living in Hartsdale and surrounding areas north of New York City can find Albanian products "G & G Euromarket".
"Our customers are from different communities, but most are Albanians and migrants from the Balkans and generally Eastern Europeans," says to Oculus News Jozefina Zadrima, shop owner and administrator.She has 21 years of retail experience and has created a rich mosaic of European produce of diverse origins such as Ireland, Germany, Russia, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and all Eastern Europe. However, most of the situation consists of goods from Albanian lands, which are sought and preferred by the Albanian community.
Josephine and her family originate from Ulcinj. Luigi's family, her husband, came to the United States in 1971 when he was only 1 year old. Jozefina has been here since 1994 and both have been active members of the Albanian community for years.
This is theit second store. The first is in Yorktoën Heights and has been opened in December 21, 2017.
In Hartsdale, there is also the Albanian Catholic Church "Our Lady of Shkodra", one of the most popular institutions of the Albanian community in the US. This closeness to the Church helps a lot and has played a significant role to choose the venue.
"We have such a beautiful church here, Our Lady of Shkodra," says Jozefina. "We feel proud of having here anything that an Albanian family might need. So we chose this place to make it easier for our community when they need to buy after ecclesiastical services."
In more than two decades of this kind of work, Jozefina has seen everything. The most depressing moments are when any customer remains dissatisfied. But there is no more beautiful moment she shows, than the joy that feels the bliss when she discovers any product that brings out the homeland or memories of the past.
"For a few moments a man feels like he has returned home," says Jozefina.
Albanian roots and traditions inspire work and their daily lives.
They have two children, Daniel 16 and Eduard 11, who are raising and educating according to Albanian traditions and values.
"We are very proud and connected with Albanian roots," says Jozefina.