The total renovation and extension of the store are complete after a 6–month build, creating 28 jobs. The store is now a space where those who live and work in the area can pick up everything for breakfast, lunch or dinner on-the-go.
Mark McCammond, Retail Director at SPAR NI operator Henderson Group, says the outlet is multi-purpose, creating a modern store packed with new services and products under one roof.
“Mallusk is largely industrial, with many businesses operating in the area. However, it also has high-passing trade and residential areas on its outskirts”, he says. “When designing this store, we wanted to ensure we were delivering on freshly prepared food-to-go options, alongside an abundance of value-driven local products and essentials for tonight’s tea and beyond, as well as attractive consumer services that make us stand out in a busy marketplace.”
This strategy has resulted in a unique and exclusive food-to-go offering from SPAR’s newest food-to-go brand, Delish, complemented by Northern Ireland’s first Barista Bar Drive-Thru. This combination of products and services is likely to be a huge draw to the high-footfall, low-dwell-time shopper the team expects for the area.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Delish and Barista Bar instore can also be ordered online via the SPAR Savvy Shopper App and collected at the store, a real benefit for time-pressed consumers.
“Shoppers can expect the full Barista Bar experience at the drive-thru with a signature cappuccino, americano and lattes, alongside specialities from flat whites to mochas and chai teas. There is even more choice available as customers can personalise their drinks with a plant-based milk alternative (oat) and the decaf options available. We will also have seasonal specialities and shoppers can take advantage of a full hot breakfast, lunch, and treats menu from Delish”, Mark McCammond says.
Instore, SPAR Mallusk will house three Barista Bar machines, one of which is a new concept, Barista Bar Planted, providing the same great taste and quality of a signature Barista brew with non-dairy options at the touch of a button. It is only the second machine to be introduced to stores in Northern Ireland.
Delish is Henderson’s new, fresh, food-to-go brand which is being rolled out across stores. It brings freshly made instore hot and cold offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from traditional hot food to culinary trends, all made with quality ingredients.
Value can be seen throughout the additional fresh food bays, which hold hundreds of locally sourced fresh lines, with a price lock on produce and everyday essentials throughout SPAR’s own brand ranges from SPAR Enjoy Local to The CHEF and The Kitchen – all created using local ingredients. Newtownabbey’s Mayfield Village Butchers bring additional fresh options, value, and advice throughout their butchery range in-store.
As a store that has been in the heart of the local community for over 20 years, SPAR Mallusk will continue its team’s community engagement, including its ongoing partnership with FareShare. This allows shoppers to donate extra items at checkouts, as well as the store to regularly donate from their own stock.
Danielle Martin, Store Manager of SPAR Mallusk, added, “Our staff, shoppers and their families are residents of the local community. We work every day to ensure we are engaging with local organisations, schools and groups to make a difference.”
The community focused store also provides additional parking, with 80 parking spaces and a 4-pump MAXOL forecourt on site. Instore, additional services include a full service Post Office and three self-checkouts for greater efficiency at peak times within the store.
Source: SPAR UK
The UK became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. As a result, there are now five regional partners in the UK. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group.
SPAR has led the highly competitive convenience market in the UK for many years. Always innovative, the five regional partners continue to grow the brand. SPAR UK comprises independently owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores. These include forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhood stores.
