Guernsey Press

40 years serving the community

ALADDIN’S CAVE is celebrating its 40th anniversary – with generations of islanders having enjoyed shopping at one of Guernsey’s most well-known stores.

Published
Staff at Aladdin's Cave are celebrating the store's 40th anniversary. (26042027)

The Les Canus shop has been very much a family affair after the business was established by Eric and Margaret Mahy in 1979, with help from Eric’s parents Bert and Ina.

Aladdin’s Cave was a progression of Capelles Camping Centre, which they had successfully run for many years.

Given the seasonal nature of camping-oriented products, Mr and Mrs Mahy sought out new offerings in order for the business to remain viable out of season. This included garden furniture and kitchenware early on, soon followed by toys, which proved enormously successful.

Daughter Julie joined them in 1998, followed by her husband Rob Edwards in 1999, who took on the role of assistant manager.

The family influence didn’t stop there.

Jason Mahy, son of Eric and Margaret, also became a part of the team in 2000.

That same year the founding couple became full owners of the entire Les Canus premises, in what was their 21st year of operation.

The founders retired in 2008, with Mr Edwards and Jason Mahy taking the helm, becoming joint managing directors.

They continued to expand the business – which included the building of an adjoining unit to incorporate Mick’s Fishing Supplies into Aladdin’s Cave and, more recently, the opening of the new ‘Cafe at the Cave’.

‘It’s been about offering good service with a choice of quality goods at competitive prices,’ said Mr Edwards.

‘It never stops. We are always looking to the next thing, with some exciting developments coming soon in the very near future.’

Aladdin’s Cave has also been able to react to the changes of the market, said Mr Edwards.

‘We believe Aladdin’s Cave will evolve because we have always adapted to the retail environment.’

Looking to the future, he added: ‘We’re excited about the next decade and how we can continue to further cement the Cave’s reputation as a quality local retailer in the island. We are an honest, local business that is passionate about serving islanders and our local community.’

His fellow managing director Jason Mahy said: ‘We have adapted to changing times and willingly invested in the business accordingly – the most recent example being the cafe.

‘We feel pride and achievement in seeing happy customers and being part of a truly loved business that continues to succeed.’

Community engagement is also important, with the store being the main sponsor of the Santa Fun Run for over a decade ever since its inception, while those at Aladdin’s Cave have donated to local charities wherever they can.