Abu Bakr Supermarket has announced plans to open six new stores across the UK during 2026 and 2027, marking a significant step in the retailer’s national growth strategy.
The expansion will see the company invest an estimated £18m in new stores and infrastructure, it said, in a move expected to create more than 180 new jobs across the UK.
It adds that each new store is expected to employ between 25 and 35 staff, including a mix of full-time and part-time roles such as store assistants, supervisors, cleaners and store managers. The new stores will also create additional indirect employment through construction, logistics and supply chain partnerships.
Locations for the planned new stores have not yet been officially confirmed. However, they are believed to be located in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Scotland and London, helping the retailer reach communities where there is currently no Abu Bakr store.
The planned openings will increase the chain’s footprint from around five stores currently operating in the UK to “a target of 10 or 11,” it said, significantly expanding access to the company’s range of affordable groceries and halal products.
Hamza Hussain, managing director, said the expansion was driven by strong customer demand and a desire to reach 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.
“We’re creating more opportunities for people to start building rewarding careers with us.”
“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.
“With market-leading pay, clear progression routes and ongoing support, we’re helping more people grow in retail while bringing Abu Bakr’s affordable products and innovative initiatives to more local communities.”
Construction and recruitment for the first of the new locations are expected to begin later in 2026. The expansion represents one of the largest growth phases in the group’s history and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to serving communities across the UK with “affordable food, meaningful community initiatives and strong local employment opportunities,” it added.
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