One of Bradford’s longest-established South Asian family businesses is preparing to begin its biggest chapter yet, almost six decades after a young couple arrived in the city with just £50 in their pocket.
Bombay Stores, the iconic independent retailer that has served generations of families since 1967, has announced the launch of Bombay Bazaar, a major expansion that will transform the neighbouring former Sagoo Motors building into one of the UK’s largest South Asian shopping destinations.
The expansion has been made possible following the acquisition of the adjoining premises, allowing the family to significantly increase its retail offering while ensuring the much-loved Bombay Stores continues to operate exactly as customers know it today.
The original Bombay Stores will remain at the heart of the development, continuing to offer its renowned menswear, bridal wear, occasion wear, fabrics, crafts, party supplies and specialist services that have made it a destination for generations of families across Bradford and beyond.
Alongside it, the new Bombay Bazaar will feature around 140 stalls, bringing together fashion, jewellery, beauty, homeware, gifts, food, lifestyle products and independent traders under one roof, creating a vibrant marketplace celebrating South Asian culture, entrepreneurship and community.
While the business is entering a new era, its foundations remain rooted in one remarkable family story.
The journey began when the late Abdul Kader arrived in Bradford with just £50 in his pocket. Like many of the city’s first-generation migrants, he worked tirelessly, taking jobs on local buses and sweeping mill floors before he and his wife, Maryam, took over a fish and chip shop.
It was there they introduced customers to authentic spices and masalas, while at the back of the shop Maryam quietly began sewing garments and selling loose fabrics. What started as a modest family venture gradually evolved into Bombay Stores, today one of the best-known South Asian clothing retailers in the North of England.
Over nearly six decades, Bombay Stores has become woven into the fabric of Bradford’s South Asian community, dressing generations of families for weddings, Eid, Diwali, religious celebrations and life’s most important milestones.
For many years, the business has been led by Abdul and Maryam’s sons, Saleem and Vaseem Kader, supported by their sister Saira Poonawala and Sabra Kader, who have continued to build on the values established by their parents: hard work, family, quality and community.
Now, the next generation is preparing to write the next chapter.
Sabra Kader and her son, Samir Kader, are leading the transformation with the launch of Bombay Bazaar, combining the heritage of one of Bradford’s most recognised family businesses with a modern retail experience designed for today’s shoppers.
Speaking about the launch, Sabra Kader said: “My parents and my brothers have done an incredible job of keeping the Bombay Stores legacy alive for more than six decades.
“There is naturally a responsibility to carry that legacy forward, but Samir and I are excited to build on everything that has come before us while creating something new with Bombay Bazaar.
“Bombay Stores will continue to be the destination people know and love, while Bombay Bazaar will bring together an incredible variety of businesses to create a real shopper’s paradise. We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome everyone.”
Rather than replacing the business that has become synonymous with South Asian fashion in Bradford, Bombay Bazaar represents its natural evolution.
The expansion is expected to attract community leaders, elected representatives, customers and invited guests, celebrating not only the opening of a major new retail destination, but also the enduring contribution migrant family businesses have made to Bradford’s economy, culture and identity.
Nearly sixty years after a young husband and wife began building a future in Bradford with little more than hope, determination and £50 in their pocket, the next generation is ensuring that their family’s story continues to flourish.
The official opening of Bombay Bazaar will take place at 12 noon on Saturday, 18 July, at Bombay Stores, Shearbridge Road, Bradford, BD7 1NX.
