Leeds-based Abu Bakr supermarket named among UK’s top 100 independent stores

Image credit: Abu Bakr Supermarket

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Abu Bakr Supermarket, based in Leeds, has been recognised as one of the UK's top 100 independent retailers by Better Retailing in the Better Retailing Awards 2026. The supermarket chain, which operates five stores in Leeds and Batley, was honoured for its customer service, innovation, and community focus. This recognition is significant for the business as it plans to expand further in West Yorkshire.

Press Release

Monday 27 April

A fast-growing Leeds-headquartered supermarket chain has been recognised as one of the UK’s top independent retailers in a major national awards programme.

Abu Bakr Supermarket, which operates four stores across Leeds and one in Batley, has been named in the Top 100 Stores list by Better Retailing as part of the Better Retailing Awards 2026.

The annual awards celebrate excellence in the convenience sector, recognising stores that stand out for customer service, innovation and community focus. The Top 100 list highlights leading independent retailers from across the UK.

With its head office in Leeds, Abu Bakr Supermarket has established itself as a growing name in Yorkshire’s retail scene, offering a wide range of products and fresh food while maintaining strong ties to the communities it serves.

Managing director Hamza Hussain said the recognition marked a significant milestone for the business.

“Being named among the UK’s Top 100 independent convenience stores is a huge honour for us,” he said. “This achievement reflects the hard work of our entire team across all our stores and the continued support from our loyal customers.

“We’ve worked hard to build something that serves our communities properly, and this recognition gives us even more motivation as we look to expand further in Leeds and beyond.”

The business, which already has a growing footprint across West Yorkshire, has outlined significant expansion plans as it looks to build on its success and bring its retail model to more communities.

The recognition is expected to further raise the profile of Abu Bakr Supermarket, reinforcing its position as one of Yorkshire’s standout independent retailers.

Notes to editors

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. In 2025, a flagship store opened in Batley, West Yorkshire.

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