IT IS A SOARING accolade when a business is dubbed ‘the most authentic Asian store in the North West’.

Penny Profits certainly lives up to its reputation. From making machines to steel cooking pans, they now they sell the quaint munji (traditional Asian style bed).

Imran Jawaid and his father Abdul Baqi Jawaid work together in a fusion of old school business values amalgamated with modernity.

Imran said: “We have changed the corner shop stereotype. Dad has been running the business since 1981. His customers are very loyal. They have literally grown up with him. They even call him ‘Cha Cha’ (Uncle).

“In fact, if he isn’t in the shop, many customers will wait for him to return before they make their purchase.”

Imran explains how they decided to diversify their products to include the authentic munji. “The munji is a novelty. It is something we associate with back home.

“Since we have had the munji on display outside the shop, so many people have stopped as they pass by to sit on it. Children love it! People like to pose on the munji just to take a selfie.

“As the shop is situated by a set of traffic lights, people even roll their windows down to take a picture of it on their phones!

“They all know what a munji is, but they have never seen one in the North West.

“In fact, one customer bought the munji after his cousin sent him a photo.”

Imran maintains that his father’s hard working and personable ethos is what has made the business a success over the last three decades.

“Dad works seven days a week. He began a small corner shop, which he then expanded into two premises.

“His mantra is that a business is not simply about making money. It is about creating a rapport with your customers and looking after them.

“I have never sold anything without giving a discount.”