Three international grocers open in Banbury town centre

The Covid-19 pandemic has not kept new businesses from opening up in town as three new international grocers have opened.
By Matt Elofson
Published 6th Apr 2021, 14:50 BST
Updated 6th Apr 2021, 16:56 BST

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Gigi Mathew stands at the doorway of his business, the Banbury Cross Convenience StoreGigi Mathew stands at the doorway of his business, the Banbury Cross Convenience Store
Gigi Mathew stands at the doorway of his business, the Banbury Cross Convenience Store

The Banbury Cross Convenience Store and Off Licence, located in West Bar Street at the Banbury Cross roundabout, opened around three to four weeks ago and has high hopes for the future as lockdown restrictions are relaxed next week.

The store is not just an off licence as its owner, Gigi Mathew, said it also serves as a local international grocers catering the wider Banbury community.

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While the store does offer typical convenience store items such as wine, beer, cigarettes, snacks, confectionery, soft drinks and toiletries, it also focuses on offering the public food from South India, Asia and some from the Caribbean too.

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Gigi Mathew takes phone call inside his shop the Banbury Cross Convenience StoreGigi Mathew takes phone call inside his shop the Banbury Cross Convenience Store
Gigi Mathew takes phone call inside his shop the Banbury Cross Convenience Store

Mr Mathew, who owns and runs the store with James Kuriakose, said: "There are more than 100 families from South India here in Banbury. Mostly from the South Indian state of Kerala."

"We're really a multi-cultural store."

They offer fresh Indian spices and herbs, specialty cookware, fresh and frozen vegetables from South India such as chilli peppers, long beans, methi leaves and Tindora.

Mr Mathew added: "It's been really quiet right now. It's been one year with lockdown, but almost everyone has got the vaccine now. It's essential protection for the community.

"I think it will be better after lockdown."

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Mr Mathew has also become involved in helping the community during his launch as a new business owner. He contributed several food packs to Prabhu Natarajan's campaign to help people in the community during ongoing pandemic.

For more information on the Banbury Cross Convenience Store see its website here: https://www.banburycrossstore.com/ or its Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/BanburyCrossStoreTwo other international grocers have recently opened in the town centre called the Euro Food Centre and Maxi Freshco.

Euro Food Centre located in Bridge Street offers Polish, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Lithuanian products. For more information see their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Euro-Food-Centre-Banbury-109137467673911Maxi Freshco located in the High Street offers Polish, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Slovakian, Romanian, Russian and local products. See their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/maxifreshcobanbury

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