Last issue the Messenger’s Spital Hill shop survey missed out one of the area’s long standing local shops. Messenger reporter Brent Moya went to find out more about the business:
Story & photo: Brent Moya
Saleh’s Mini Market opened in the year 2000 and has been a mainstay of Spital Hill’s shopping district ever since.
The owner, Saleh Abdullah (pictured right) first came to Burngreave in 1996 and rented a corner shop on Ellesmere Road before buying his own business. He says the area has under gone a lot of change.
“I came to Burngreave during a transition period, the area was empty when I first arrived but is now a thriving suburb, with lots of people and lots of shops.”
Saleh’s Mini market opens 7 days a week and sells a wide variety of groceries as well as Eastern European food and general confectionery.
I spoke to one of Saleh’s customers and friend, who was kind enough to offer me a drink and show me round the shop. He told me that the newly opened Tesco supermarket has put pressure on local businesses who were already struggling.
“Unfortunately with it being such a big outlet they can cater for pretty much anything which makes it harder for smaller businesses to compete; all future plans for this business are currently on hold.”