On Supermarket Employee Day, we recognise the dedication, innovation, and community spirit of our independent SPAR retailers and their teams, highlighting generational family and next generation retailers, as well as award-winning store managers. Their commitment not only drives exceptional service and store excellence but also strengthens the communities they serve.

Generational family retailers at SPAR  

Generational family retailers are a cornerstone of the SPAR brand, with stores often handed down and staying central to their communities. 

Northern Ireland  

Founded in 1964 by Brian Boyle and now managed by Ronan and Aidan Boyle, SPAR Ballycastle in Northern Ireland has maintained its family ownership and commitment to quality for over six decades. The Boyle family has invested over £1 million in the store and raised more than £300,000 for local initiatives with the full support of the store team. 

Canning’s SPAR Bellarena store in Limavady which was established in 1974 by George and Harry Canning, has thrived as a family-run business, is now managed by the founders’ children and a long-serving team member. For more than 50 years, the family has invested more than £600,000 in the store, continually supporting and serving the community. 

South Africa 

Alasia Moumtzis and her family have celebrated 35 years of partnership with SPAR South Africa, overcoming early challenges to expand their retail presence in Port Elizabeth. Their Newton Park SUPERSPAR supermarket became a pioneering destination store, reflecting the family’s resilience and innovative spirit, creating employment opportunities for local people. 

Dean and Tanya Jankielsohn have successfully run a SUPERSPAR supermarket in Piketberg, Western Cape SA, for more than 35 years, focusing on exceptional service and community needs. Their people-first approach evident throughout their team in the store has built a loyal customer base and a thriving local business. 

Young retailers driving innovation in the SPAR network

Young entrepreneurs opening SPAR stores showcase the next generation of independent retailers, driving brand growth and added value for customers. 

In May 2024, sisters Becky and Lucy McCammond opened their SPAR Abbots Cross store in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. They invested significantly in modernisation, expanded local employment, and made community engagement a priority. Their dedication has led to prestigious industry awards and widespread recognition for their exceptional service, strong local sourcing, and impactful charitable initiatives.  

Carmen and Savannah Egling, daughters of Mike and Leigh, who have worked as independent SPAR retailers for 22 years, have successfully taken over the KWIKSPAR store on Kloof Street, Cape Town, bringing fresh energy and innovation to the family business and the store’s employees. Their dynamic approach includes tailoring the store to local needs, utilising social media, hosting unique events, and partnering with other brands to attract a diverse customer base. Through these efforts, they have transformed the store into a community hub and destination. 

Celebrating award-winning SPAR retailers 

Industry awards recognise the dedication and innovation of independent SPAR retailers and their teams, highlighting their key role in improving retail standards. 

SPAR Denmark retailer Michael Sangill was awarded the prestigious Danish Retail Award for his SPAR Hvide Sande store’s impressive growth, commitment to local values, and innovative, people-focused management. His success is marked by investment in green energy, local sourcing, and creative initiatives. 

SPAR UK retailers achieved significant recognition at the 2025 Retail Industry Awards, securing 14 awards for excellence across convenience, community involvement, and innovation. Notable winners included the SPAR Parkfoot supermarket in Kent, the McCammond sisters’ SPAR Abbots Cross store in Newtownabbey, and the Henderson Group in Northern Ireland, each celebrating outstanding service, leadership within their stores, and store development. 

 Sources: SPAR UK, SPAR Denmark, SPAR South Africa