Family-run business of over a decade expands to bigger premises on busy Northampton town centre street
A family-run business, which has been successfully operating for more than a decade, has expanded to bigger premises on a busy Northampton town centre street.
World Food Market is run by husband Muthulingan Piraba, wife Siva and their daughter Rasika, and originally launched at 49 Gold Street back in 2015.
Now, the family has moved to 38 to 40 Gold Street and opened to the public on February 28 as part of an exciting upgrade and expansion.
When World Food Market first launched 11 years ago, it opened in the building of a former newsagent and Siva says this was a very popular type of business in Northampton town centre at the time.
Instead, they opted to open a food business that had everything under one roof and attracted people of all cultures to see what was on offer – which has remained the same ever since.
They now house a halal butcher, Indian and Sri Lankan food to takeaway, and fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as their typical grocery and household product offering.
“People have said that compared to other shops, we’re cheaper,” Siva told the Chronicle & Echo. “Most shops don’t have Indian and Sri Lankan food that can be heated up and taken away. It’s easy to come and grab food on your way home.”
The building they are now in was previously a clothing store, which needed a huge overhaul including the installation of proper flooring and fire doors and walls. This took six months to complete before the Piraba family were able to open.
“This is a family-run business and we bring cultures together under one roof,” said Siva. “Togetherness is the most important thing and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.
“Food connects people no matter their background and it’s something everyone shares. We’re not just about shopping but the community.”
World Food Market hopes to be successful in their application to serve hot food in the near future, and they look forward to opening their in-store bakery and coffee machine from the end of the month.
The family hopes the bakery will be a particular hit, as there is nothing similar on Gold Street already and they aim to fill a gap in the market.