There are ‘traditional Asian stores’ and then there are businesses like Penny Profits.

Penny Profits has taken up the famous Victoria Street and Charlotte Street, Blackburn corner spot since 1982. As well as the Kiddies Store it is the first shop you see as you turn the corner on to the Range area.

Alongside Jaurah Textiles, The Khyber Restaurant and Poshaak it is also one of the oldest stores still retailing in the area.

Abdul Baqi Javaid, aged 75, set-up the shop after taking redundancy from the Mullard’s factory.

“Back then there were only 10 to 12 shops along this stretch,” he said. “I think we were the only ones who supplied traditional Asian cooking utensils and homeware.

“You could say it was the first ‘true’ Asian shop in Blackburn!”

Despite the advent of the internet, surprisingly the store still manages to stock homeware you are unlikely to find anywhere else.

In August 2014, they decided to bring Penny Profits into the digital era through various channels, including a rebranding of the entire business. You will be thankful to know you can now follow them on Twitter too!

Mr Javaid added: “It is noticeable how many people from outside Blackburn actually travel to the town just to visit the shops here. It is something that makes up a lot of our trade now.

“You have people on a regular basis coming here from the surrounding towns and further afield.”

Mr Javaid added: “The road layout has changed too. It used to be two way and people could park up but the widening of the footpaths has meant there is more space for shoppers but less parking.”

Mr Javaid said he no thoughts of retiring just yet, adding “I hope to pass it on to my daughter.”