Umer Ali ran Haji’s Wear, a menswear shop specialising in wedding outfits. He had been trading at The Bazaar for two years and has £25,000 worth of stock in hold.
He said he had been given just a few days’ notice.
“We were sent an email in the morning from The Bazaar owner – he sent a message in a WhatsApp group and said ‘you need to go, like in two days to clear the stock and clear The Bazaar’,” he said.
“It’s really hard. It’s too hard. It’s just like, it’s everything on me, like the stock rooming, we don’t have any space, we don’t have any space at the home. It’s too much for me,” he said.
Ali has started a new shop on City Road, but said he would not consider trading in the city centre again due to the expense.
“Everywhere the shops are like £1,500 a month to rent, with a separate bill for electricity, gas.
Writing on social media, company director of The Bazaar, Hassan Ali, said they had made “the difficult decision to close The Bazaar with immediate effect”.
He said: “The Bazaar has always been more than just a business – it has been a community filled with wonderful people, shared moments, and lasting memories. We are incredibly proud of what we built together.
“To all of our amazing traders, we wish you every success and happiness for the future. Thank you for your hard work, passion, and dedication throughout the years.”
A spokesperson for Bradford Council said it had no direct relationship with the tenants and was not obliged to offer new accommodation.
“However, we have maintained contact with representatives of the traders and an application for a market licence has been received which, if approved, will allow for alternative premises to be developed for a market-style bazaar that will provide accommodation for the leaseholder’s former tenants,” it said.
Ali was contacted for comment.