The Very Bazaar is a Leicester institution. In fact, they’re turning 50 years old this year.
Their shop on Silver Street has been a favourite local independent for generations. As they approach their 50th birthday celebrations, we caught up with them to find out more for this week’s BID Spotlight feature.
How did the idea for the shop first come about?
It started off in Kensington Market with a small stall. I always wanted to work for myself so started small and slowly expanded from there. After that I went off traveling the world and came back full of ideas and this is when I met my lovely partner Maz. We decided to move up to Leicester with friends who wanted to start a shop. We had The Very Bazaar and our friends had the record shop in the basement.
This place is like Aladdin’s cave filled with unique fair trade products from all over the world. Coming into the shop is an experience on its own, with so much to look at as well as the fragrances and music. We have such amazing customers who have been with us for the past 50 years and are now bringing in their children & grandchildren to the shop. If you are looking for something a little different, The Very Bazaar is the place.
You sell such a range of different products, what are some of your favourites?
It’s too hard to pick, we have so many new items and I like them all. We have recently brought back selling clothes which is one of the first things we started with when we opened. It’s like we have gone full circle and have gone back to our roots.
How has Leicester changed over the years since The Very Bazaar opened?
Since we have opened we have seen a lot of change for the better in Leicester. It has gone from a small place to a grown up city. They don’t sell sheep & chickens in the market no more! (He says with a laugh!)
What’s your favourite thing about your position on The Lanes?
My favourite thing is being next door to The Globe. There is always something fun going on with a good vibe. The shop itself is built on top of the underground tunnels that connect to the Cathedral and other places around the city. Silver Street has so many long running independents that brings a new lease of life to the street.
What do you have planned to celebrate your 50th year?
We are currently working on a small event and a date to be confirmed soon.
How can people find out more about The Very Bazaar?
Our BID Spotlight features are brought to you in collaboration with BID Leicester.
