Leeds supermarket giant hits 15 million social media views as online popularity surges

Image credit: Abu Bakr Supermarket

Editorial Brief
At a glance: AI-assisted overview, optimised for journalists, search & news aggregators

Leeds-based supermarket chain Abu Bakr Group has achieved over 15 million views on Instagram and TikTok, boosting its online presence significantly. The family-run business, known for its international grocery offerings, has attracted customers from across the UK through viral videos showcasing products and community initiatives. This milestone highlights the company's growing connection with younger audiences and its transformation from a local store into a recognised brand.

Press Release

27 May 2026

A Leeds-based supermarket chain is celebrating after surpassing 15 million views across its Instagram and TikTok channels, marking a major milestone in the company’s growing online presence.

Abu Bakr Group, which operates multiple supermarkets across Leeds and West Yorkshire, has seen explosive growth online thanks to a stream of viral videos showcasing its products, in-store experiences and community-focused campaigns.

The family-run business, which began as a small convenience store in 1987, has transformed into one of the region’s best-known international grocery brands, serving customers annually across five stores with more stores set to open soon.

Its recent social media success has helped attract visitors from across the UK, with customers reportedly travelling from cities including London, Birmingham and Sheffield after discovering the supermarket online.

Managing Director Hamza Hussain said the milestone reflects the company’s growing connection with younger audiences and the wider community.

He said: “Reaching 15 million views across our social platforms is a massive achievement for our team and shows the power of connecting with people in an authentic way.

“We’ve always wanted Abu Bakr to be more than just a supermarket. Social media has allowed us to showcase our culture, our products and the incredible diversity of our customers to people right across the UK.”

Videos posted across TikTok and Instagram regularly feature new food ranges, fresh produce, international snacks, customer interactions and behind-the-scenes moments from stores in areas including Kirkstall Road, Queens Road, Roundhay Road and Batley.

The supermarket has also gained attention for celebrity appearances and large-scale promotional events. Dubai social media personality Money Kicks previously visited the company’s flagship Kirkstall Road site, drawing huge crowds and further boosting the brand’s online reach.

Mr Hussain added: “What started as a local family business has now become a recognised brand online, and we’re only getting started. Our aim is to keep innovating, keep entertaining and keep giving customers a shopping experience they can’t find anywhere else.”

Today, the company employs more than 400 staff and continues to invest heavily in technology, innovation and customer experience.

Alongside its retail operations, the group has also launched community-focused initiatives aimed at supporting elderly shoppers and local families across Leeds.

With millions of views now flowing through its social platforms, Abu Bakr’s rapid online rise is helping position the Leeds retailer as one of the UK’s fastest-growing multicultural supermarket brands.

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.

Get more news like this

Get more news like this on Google. Set News By Wire as a ‘Preferred News Source’ to get quicker access to news that’s important.

All done!
Thank you for subscribing.

Email Subscription