Abu Bakr Supermarket Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans with Six New Stores and £18 Million Investment

Abu Bakr Supermarket has revealed its intention to establish six new stores throughout the UK in 2026 and 2027, a significant advancement in the retailer’s national growth strategy. This expansion will involve an investment of approximately £18 million in new stores and infrastructure, projected to generate over 180 new jobs across the country.

Each new Abu Bakr store is anticipated to employ between 25 and 35 individuals, encompassing a variety of full-time and part-time positions such as store assistants, supervisors, cleaners, and store managers. Moreover, the new locations are expected to create additional indirect employment opportunities through construction, logistics, and supply chain partnerships.

While the specific sites for the new stores have yet to be officially disclosed, they are believed to be situated in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Scotland, and London, thereby enabling the retailer to reach communities currently lacking an Abu Bakr presence. This planned expansion will increase the chain’s footprint from approximately five operational stores in the UK to a target of 10 or 11, significantly enhancing access to the company’s range of affordable groceries and halal products.

Hamza Hussain, Managing Director of Abu Bakr Supermarket, stated that the expansion is a response to robust customer demand and a commitment to serve underserved communities. “We’ve recognised that there are areas of the UK without an Abu Bakr store, and our expansion is about addressing those gaps. We’ve always believed that access to high-quality affordable food is a right, not a privilege, and that’s why it’s our mission to make this a reality for customers up and down the UK,” he remarked.

Hussain further emphasised the company’s dedication to fostering career opportunities in retail, stating, “We want to encourage more people across the UK to consider a career in retail, starting with high-quality training and development that gives people the skills and confidence to succeed. As we open more stores, we’re creating more opportunities for people to start building rewarding careers with us.” He highlighted that the company offers market-leading pay, clear progression routes, and ongoing support to help individuals thrive in the retail sector while extending Abu Bakr’s affordable products and innovative initiatives to more local communities.

Construction and recruitment for the first of the new locations are anticipated to commence later in 2026. In addition to its expansion plans, Abu Bakr Supermarket continues to implement various community-focused initiatives aimed at supporting families and promoting healthier lifestyles. These initiatives include the “Aisle of Support” community programme, the “Heaven at a Mother’s Feet” campaign celebrating mothers, seasonal community campaigns such as those for Valentine’s Day, and the “5 a Day” fruit and vegetable promotion that encourages healthier eating.

The retailer also experiences a notable surge in demand during Ramadan, with customer spending on halal food and essential groceries contributing to an estimated £144 million across the Ramadan period. This underscores the vital role that community supermarkets play in supporting families during this significant time. The expansion marks one of the largest growth phases in Abu Bakr Supermarket’s history, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to providing affordable food, meaningful community initiatives, and robust local employment opportunities across the UK.