For over a year, a large retail space on Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury stood quiet. A place that once saw everyday routines — families shopping, conversations flowing, carts moving — had slowly faded into stillness.
But now, that silence is about to transform into something far more vibrant.
Not just a store. Not just a reopening.
A cultural shift.
Apna Bazar is set to enter this space — and with it, a new chapter begins for the community.
A Story That Began with Purpose, Not Scale
Apna Bazar Farmers Market was founded nearly 35 years ago by Mr. Jaswinder Singh Johal and Mr. Desh Deepak Bhardwaj — two entrepreneurs whose journey reflects more than just business growth. It reflects vision, patience, and a deep understanding of people.
They did not begin with large investments or big formats. They began with intent.
From a modest 900-square-foot store in Jackson Heights, New York, they created something that went beyond retail. They created familiarity. A place where people could walk in and feel connected — not just to products, but to memories, culture, and identity.
That clarity of purpose became their biggest strength.
Growing Without Losing Roots
Over the decades, Apna Bazar expanded steadily across the United States — New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Philadelphia.
But what makes this journey remarkable is not just expansion — it is consistency.
In a fast-changing retail world, where many brands lose identity as they grow, Apna Bazar has managed to scale while staying grounded. Their stores are not just supermarkets — they are extensions of community life.
And now, the upcoming 70,000-square-foot store in Shrewsbury stands as their largest format yet — a milestone that represents both evolution and belief.
Why Shrewsbury, Why Now?
The transformation of a former Stop & Shop into Apna Bazar is not just a business move — it is a reflection of changing demographics and evolving consumer needs.
Central Massachusetts has seen steady growth in diverse communities, especially South Asian populations. Alongside this growth comes a demand for:
- Authentic global ingredients
- Cultural familiarity in everyday shopping
- A broader, more inclusive retail experience
At the same time, traditional supermarket models have been shifting — leaving behind large-format spaces that now require reinvention.
Apna Bazar steps in exactly at this intersection.
Not to replace — but to redefine.
More Than a Store — A World Market
What is coming to Shrewsbury is not just an Indian grocery store.
It is being envisioned as a true world market.
The new location is expected to offer:
- One of the largest selections of South Asian groceries in the region
- A full range of American staples
- Fresh produce, spices, grains, and specialty imports
- A deli and meat counter
- A full-service bakery
This is not about serving one community — it is about bringing multiple communities together under one roof.
Food becomes the language.
Retail becomes the experience.
The Rise of Cultural Retail in America
Across the United States, consumer behavior is evolving rapidly.
- Global food consumption is growing significantly
- Younger generations are more open to diverse cuisines
- Ethnic grocery stores are transitioning into mainstream retail destinations
What was once considered niche is now becoming central.
Apna Bazar’s expansion into a 70,000-square-foot format reflects this shift — a recognition that multicultural retail is not a segment anymore, it is the future.
Vision That Goes Beyond Business
Guiding this next phase is Romy Selhi — a leader who brings a broader perspective to the table.
He is not just looking at retail as transactions, but as transformation.
His approach reflects an understanding that today’s communities are interconnected — and that businesses must evolve to reflect that reality.
As he puts it,
“This is going to be a world market — not just for Indian communities, but for everyone. A place where cultures come together, and people discover both familiarity and something new.”
That vision is simple, yet powerful.
It shifts the idea from “serving a segment” to “creating a shared space.”
A Space That Feels Familiar, Yet New
Interestingly, the Shrewsbury store will retain much of the original layout — offering a sense of familiarity to local residents.
At the same time, the experience inside will be completely transformed.
This balance is important.
Because true innovation is not always about changing everything —
Sometimes, it is about reimagining what already exists.
The Deeper Meaning
At Jay-Ho, we often see stories beyond events and businesses — we see journeys.
The story of Apna Bazar is not just about a store opening.
It is about:
- A small idea growing into a national presence
- Founders who stayed true to their roots
- A community finding representation in everyday spaces
- A new generation discovering culture through experience
It is about how local spaces can carry global stories.
A Journey That Continues
From 900 square feet in Jackson Heights to 70,000 square feet in Shrewsbury — this is not just expansion.
This is evolution.
And perhaps more importantly —
It is a reminder that when vision is clear and purpose is strong, growth becomes inevitable.
As Shrewsbury prepares to welcome Apna Bazar, one thing is certain:
This is not just a reopening of a space.
This is the arrival of something bigger —
A place where cultures meet, communities grow, and everyday shopping turns into an experience.
