The owner of a newly-opened furniture shop in Bradford city centre has spoken about his passion for helping people turn their house into a home.

Former restaurateur Ibrahim Eryatmaz has brought Benim Furniture to Market Street.

It marks the latest chapter for Benim Furniture, which started four years ago as an online business and previously opened as a shop in Stanningley.

Ibrahim started Benim Furniture during the pandemic before deciding to sell his restaurant to spend more time with his family.

He hopes it will be a new central destination for people to shop beds, mattresses, bedside cabinets, coffee tables, and much more.

Beds and mattresses come direct from the suppliers – meaning there’s no “middle man”, Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim, who lives in Horsforth, said he chose to move his shop to Bradford for a number of reasons.

“Bradford Council have help for business rates at the moment,” said the shop owner.

“Rent is 50 per cent lower than Leeds.

“Another thing is the Council spends lots of money for the city centre.”

He hopes shoppers can find a little bit of everything at his store.

Ibrahim said: “We try to give good ideas for customers as well. Sometimes we ask, what colour or what rooms you have, so we try to help. We love what we do. We’re not just selling, we want to care for our customers.

“People are saying it looks modern. They come and have a look for themselves and ask questions.

“90 per cent come in here, they get something.”

Ibrahim urged people to support their local highstreets and shared his fears of living in an online only world.

While he does run an online shop still, he hopes customers will come to experience the different products on offer in person.

He fondly remembers the days when people would wave hello to their local butcher on the street and say ‘good morning’.

“People will just go work, eat, buy something, go work, eat, buy something,” said Ibrahim.

“I can see this as a danger now. People go online because they have no time – working, sleeping, buying something – this is not life.

“Come to Bradford, help local businesses, get the real stuff.

“We have human feelings when we’re going into shops or talking to sellers.

“We’re here for them.”