New store to help Indian community remain connected to roots

Now he has just opened his sixth store, in Shepparton.

He estimates that 80 per cent of the products the store stocks come from India.

The store stocks a wide variety of products, including 10 different grocery brands and a range of Indian spices, as well as homewares and bedding.

Mr Dhawan, 39, grew up in a small city in India.

He first came to Australia in 2006 as an international student, studying accounting and community welfare.

He quickly realised that there was a big gap in the market for Indian products that couldn’t be sourced in Australia. What was available was often at a high price.

So, after becoming a permanent resident, he established Punjab Imports.

The business had become extremely popular with Melbourne’s Indian community, he said.

Earlier this year, Mr Dhawan decided to open a store in Shepparton due to the region’s growing Indian population.

He found many locals were travelling to his Melbourne stores to buy products.

His friend Jaspal Singh will be the franchisee of the Shepparton store.

So far, he says the reaction from the Shepparton community has been strong.

Mr Dhawan believes his stores play an important role in helping the Indian community remain connected to their roots.

“For everyone, their own culture is really important — and it should be,” he said.

“To see the products from their country, they just feel the warmth and love they have for their country and their culture and the city or village they grew up in.”

Among the items in stock are Tandoors, an Indian type of barbecue. The store also stocks traditional Indian blankets and quilts.

Also in store are many culturally significant items, including religious products and Indian wedding items.

“Without those wedding accessories, a wedding can’t happen,” Mr Dhawan said.

Previously many Indian couples have had to courier in items from India for their wedding.

Mr Dhawan is keen to make the store attractive to the entire community, not just Indians, offering free tea for those who visit, whether or not they buy anything.

“We are welcoming everyone, this store is not just for the Indian community, it’s for everyone,” he said.

Punjab Imports can be found at 95-97 Wyndham St, Shepparton, and is open from 9am to 8pm, seven days a week.