The SPAR Brand in Northern Ireland was recognised for excellence in retailing across the 2024 Retail Industry Awards, Neighbourhood Retail Awards, as well as the Fresh Consortium Awards.

Retailer excellence

At the 2024 Retail Industry Awards, two independent SPAR retailers in Northern Ireland took home awards.

McKillop’s SPAR store, located Ballymena took home the award for Independent Retailer of the Year for stores up to 280m². Owner Eamonn McKillop was praised by judges for his links to the local community, citing him as “a fantastic retailer with a very strong community feel”. Judges were also impressed by the store’s strong sales growth and range of recent improvements made to the store, including its instore deli and ice cream offering.

In County Derry, the Lynch family picked up the Fresh Produce of the Year category at the EUROSPAR Supermarket on Trench Road. Judges noted the retailer’s commitment to fresh and local produce with an extra three metres of chilled shelving created during a recent refurbishment, complemented by great deals, instore theatre and sampling opportunities for shoppers.

Additionally, 8 awards were handed out to SPAR Northern Ireland retailers at the  Neighbourhood Retail Awards in Belfast in areas such as customer service, forecourts, and community stores. Additionally, Charlie Hamilton, who owns three SPAR Branded stores alongside his wife Ruth, won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Creighton’s EUROSPAR Supermarket Balmoral won the 2024 Retailer of the Year Award. John Fox of the EUROSPAR Supermarket on Greencastle Street took home the Store Manager Award.

Henderson Group recognition

At the 2024 Retail Industry Awards, SPAR Northern Ireland wholesaler Henderson Group was also recognised, being crowned Forecourt Retailer of the Year for the third year in a row. The company also picked up an award as Community Retailer of the Year. Two of their stores were also honoured at the event: the EUROSPAR Supermarket Killyleagh was awarded Post Office Retailer of the Year and EUROSPAR Supermarket Saintfield Road was named Forecourt Retailer of the Year.

Meanwhile, the retail organisation received further recognition at the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) Awards. The event celebrates the very finest in the fruit and veg logistics and wholesale sector, with Henderson Group taking home the Fruit & Veg Supplier of the year.

Source: Henderson Group

Read more about SPAR UK

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence 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 UK comprises independently owned, licensed, retailers and company-owned stores.