A shop specializing in tobacco items has opened downtown at the former Dick’s News Stand location on Central Avenue.

Downtown Tobacco & Gift Shop at 1037 Central Ave., part of the Tracy Inn building, is owned and operated by Tauseef Siddique. Having moved here a year ago with his family, Siddique said he was eager to open a business in downtown Tracy.

He first considered another opening in the Tracy Inn along 11th Street, but said he immediately liked the former newsstand’s spot after it was shown to him by the landlord, Dino Margaros.

“A lot of people have come in and said ‘Good, you’re open again,’” Siddique said.

Although he won’t carry the variety of reading materials once prominent at the location, Siddique still sells local newspapers. He also wants to cater to his customers by offering items that meet their needs.

Once inside the door, the right wall features clothing and household items, while the opposite side has an abundance of phone cards and tobacco-related products.

“We have a little bit of everything,” Siddique said.

Siddique’s store, true to its name, offers an extensive variety of tobacco, ranging from cigarettes and chewing tobacco, to high-end cigars and smoking-related gadgets and accessories.

In the summer, Siddique said he plans to open a cigar smoking area in the courtyard to the rear of the store.

One thing that makes the Downtown Tobacco & Gift Shop unique is its variety of hookah water pipes and shisha flavored tobacco — Siddique plans to eventually carry tobacco that will appeal to different cultures in Tracy.

Downtown Tobacco also carries accessories for those products, including colorful pipes and bongs displayed in a couple of large cases.

In addition to specialty items, the store also carries everyday products, including baseball caps, snacks, refreshments such as soda, water and juice, and household items.

“I’m trying to make a nice store,” he said.

One thing that will bring back memories for Dick’s News Stand fans will be the original, iconic sign. Propped up against the back wall of his shop, Siddique said he will one day hang the old sign inside his business.

The Downtown Tobacco & Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For information: 229-8112.