First Anniversary of Latest Store Underscores Abu Bakr Supermarkets’ Expanding Retail Vision

Abu Bakr Supermarkets is marking the first anniversary of its Batley store — a key milestone for a business whose history stretches back nearly four decades and whose growth has turned a once-small family shop into a significant player in the independent retail landscape.

In 2024, the business made one of its most ambitious moves to date: the launch of its Batley store. With a striking modern interior concept, spacious aisles and an elevated shopping experience, the store represented a leap forward in design and customer focus. It quickly became a popular destination in the town, praised for both its range and its contemporary feel.

Now, one year later, the Batley branch is celebrating its first anniversary — and the milestone is being seen as a symbol of the brand’s evolving identity and future ambitions.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Batley has been an incredible addition to our family of stores. The community has supported us from day one, and this site showcases how far we’ve come as a brand — from a single shop to a supermarket group with modern, community-centred stores. We’re excited about the future.”

To celebrate the one year anniversary, tea will be served to customers for a discounted price of just £1.00.

“This celebration is our way of saying thank you to Batley for embracing us. A simple cup of tea for £1 is a small gesture, but it reflects our appreciation for the customers who make everything we do possible.”

For business observers, the story of Abu Bakr Supermarkets is one of sustained growth — the kind that blends entrepreneurial drive with community awareness. From a teenager taking over a small shop in the late 1980s to a network of modern supermarkets, the company’s trajectory reflects both resilience and strategic reinvention.

As the Batley store commemorates its first year, Abu Bakr Supermarkets stands positioned for the next chapter — one built on continued expansion, evolving customer expectations, and a commitment to serving  diverse communities.

The story began in 1987, when Abid Hussain, then just 17, took over the family business. With long hours, determination and a hands-on approach, he laid the groundwork for a brand that would go on to become a well-known name across West Yorkshire.

A major turning point arrived in 2002. Abid Food Store rebranded as Abu Bakr Supermarkets, signalling both a new identity and an ambition to scale. That same year, the company opened its Queen’s Road store — its first step beyond the original premises and the start of a steady expansion strategy.

Further growth followed in 2004 with the Roundhay Road branch, strengthening the brand’s presence in Leeds and giving more families access to its value-driven offering. A decade later, in 2015, Abu Bakr expanded again with its Beeston store, a move that bolstered its community footprint in another busy part of the city.

In 2017, the business invested heavily in expanding its product range. Fresh produce, halal meat counters, and an extensive selection of world foods were introduced — a strategic shift that aligned the brand more closely with the needs of the region’s diverse communities and cemented its reputation for global choice at local prices.

The company’s momentum continued into the 2020s. In 2022, Abu Bakr Supermarkets opened its Kirkstall branch, bringing its services to a new and vibrant customer base and widening its reach across Leeds.