In May 2024, sisters Becky and Lucy McCammond opened up their new SPAR Abbots Cross store in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. Over the course of 12+ months, the sisters have seen their business grow from strength to strength, taking home prestigious awards and becoming a vital part of the community.

Developing the SPAR Abbots Cross store

When Lucy and Becky took over the SPAR Abbots Cross store, they invested £620,000 into the business to implement a full modernisation. Over the course of a nine week refurbishment, the store received an extension and full refit and increased the team to 14, adding four new employees from the local Newtownabbey area.

Through the renovation, the McCammond sisters were able to double the range of fresh and locally sourced produce available to customers. Additionally, a new instore bakery brought in freshly baked goods from local suppliers. Upgraded departments  include a hot-food counter, butchery, as well as a parcel service station and a post office. The sisters introduced technological and sustainable improvements throughout the store, such as energy-efficient refrigeration systems and self-checkouts, further enhancing the customer shopping experience.

“Becky and Lucy are the perfect example of the next generation of independent retailers working with us to grow the SPAR brand to bring even more value to shoppers with our locally sourced and own-brand products, and a continued commitment to regular deals on high demand every day essentials,” stated Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group.

At the heart of the locality

For the McCammond sisters, it is imperative that the store is a core part of the Newtownabbey community. Indeed, Becky and Lucy are committed to supporting local schools, community groups and a number of local charities. The store has donated to local charity Angel Wishes, which supports children in Northern Ireland with cancer related conditions, as well as to SPAR UK’s national charity partner, Marie Curie. The team makes ongoing donations to their local foodbank, Trussell Trust, while supporting Abbots Cross Primary School’s annual sports days.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is installed outside the store and available for the community 24/7, providing essential access to potentially lifesaving equipment even when the store is not open to the residential area. Partnering with local suppliers is important for the McCammond sisters to highlight quality local produce, illustrated through the fact that over 75% of the store’s fresh food assortment is locally sourced. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the store opening, the McCammond sisters engaged with local school pupils to promote the importance of supporting Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry, as well as a day of celebration instore for shoppers with competitions, prizes on offer, and samples from local producers.

Prestigious recognition

Becky and Lucy McCammond have built a truly successful store. In 2025, the sisters have taken home a series of prestigious awards for the SPAR Abbots Cross store. At the UK-wide Convenience Store Awards, the store won the Refit of the Year Award, with the sisters community work, as well as the exceptional instore service, being highlighted by judges. At the 2025 Retail Industry Awards, the McCammond sisters did SPAR Northern Ireland proud, scooping up two awards: Independent Post Office Retailer of the Year and Most Improved Store.

The success of the sisters and their SPAR Abbots Cross store highlights the work and dedication which they have undertaken since May 2024 to bring a truly exceptional offering to the people of Newtownabbey.

Source: Henderson Group

Read more about SPAR UK

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted a licence to utilise the SPAR brand to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR in the UK comprises independently owned and licensed retailers as well as company-owned stores.