For Everything from Fine Linens to Classic Sodas

When you step through Ganjes’ old wooden front door, you may find yourself in an exotic marketplace full of colorful linens. Or back in time with an old-fashioned Misty Rivers soda and Reeds butterscotch hard candy. Or, you may just take home a Curious Little Fingers’ Freckles the Fox children’s blanket with ears your child can actually feel.

Ganjes, at 150 S. Oregon Street (across from GoodBean Coffee), is Jacksonville’s newest unique shop, started by owner Laura Smith and her son Sagean Stoker. The two proudly offer an eclectic mix of:

  • Colorful Kantha quilts, which involve the ancient Indian art of embroidery with fabrics from traditional sarees
  • Round “Britt Picnic Blankets” in a variety of patterns
  • Children’s bedding collections
  • Apothecary-style bath and beauty products
  • 67 flavors of vintage sodas
  • 31 kinds of salt water taffy, plus a large selection of classic candies and chocolates

“Ganjes is unique because we offer what no one else does in the Rogue Valley,” says Smith. “Our store is about being different and having fun in the mainstream—for all ages—with a vintage twist. We keep our standards high and prices reasonable for natural and organic fabrics and linens, old-fashioned candies and sodas from a bygone era, and natural beauty and bath products that are not sold locally.”

The idea for Ganjes started 25 years ago, early in Smith’s previous career in social services, education, and retail. She earned her Master’s in Education five years ago, but had always wanted to fulfill her dream of opening a store offering distinctive items that she would actually want to have in her own life. Too often, she discovered, comforters and bedding sets were made cheaply with limited, or boring, designs.

“I wanted to start something that would offer high-quality materials and artistic, one-of-a-kind patterns that made life a little more fun and fulfilling,” she says. “And being in Jacksonville is special because we live just over the hill and visit all the time. We love the history, the vibe, and all the elements that can take you back in time.”

Though it’s only been open since March 1, the shop has big upcoming plans, including something very personal to Smith and her family heritage. “We just received a shipment of fun British candies and bon bons that I remember from my childhood,” she says. “My grandma would bring them over on visits from England, and now I’m bringing them here to our customers.”

The store is also adding 31 different flavors of salt water taffy, and plans on offering hand-scooped ice cream with both indoor and outdoor seating.

It’s the hope of Smith and Stoker that you’ll soon step through the front door and discover for yourself a world of products you just can’t find anywhere else.

Ganjes is open Wednesday-Sunday. Visit www.ganjes.com, on Instagram at ganjes_linens, or on Facebook at Facebook.com/Ganjeslinens/.