Evington Store under new management

The shop next to the dry cleaners on Main Street, Evington, is under new management.

Ahmed Azizi and Namatual Niazi have bought the business and opened on 16 June 2026. They plan to develop Evington Store into a small supermarket specialising in fresh fruit and vegetables, with plans to introduce a meat counter in the near future, alongside other everyday essentials.

The new owners say their focus will be on providing good-quality produce for the local community. Ahmed visits the market daily to source fresh fruit and vegetables, and hopes the planned meat offering will help fill a gap left in the area since Evington lost both its butcher and greengrocer.

Ahmed, who previously worked as a farmer in Afghanistan, came to the UK two years ago, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild his life. He said that when he arrived, his aim was to work hard and contribute positively.

Namatual Niazi, who has experience managing shops in Highfields selling fruit, vegetables, meat and other items, first gave Ahmed a job. The two have now formed a partnership to run the Evington business together.

Pictured above, Ahmed stands with some of the fresh fruit now available in the shop. “I want to concentrate on healthy food,” he said. Alcohol will not be sold, though cigarettes and legal vapes remain on sale as part of the existing business. The owners also say they will be open to customer requests as the shop develops.

“I am really happy to be here in Evington and feel safe,” Ahmed added. “I plan to make this shop a big success.” He brings farming experience from Afghanistan, where he worked on parkland growing apples, plums and cherries. Ahmed is married and has a five-month-old baby.