SPAR retailers across the UK celebrated exceptional success at this year’s Convenience Awards, with the SPAR Malone Road in Co. Antrim receiving the multiple honours, and SPAR UK being named as Britain’s Favourite Convenience Symbol Group and Britain’s Favourite Convenience Store Group.

SPAR Malone Road: a standout community store

A standout performer was the SPAR Malone Road store in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. The store took home the Convenience Retailer of the Year 2026 award, as well as the accolade for Large Convenience Store of the Year. Judges praised the SPAR Malone Road store for its strong commercial performance. The store offers a butchery, bakery and extensive food-to-go range, creating a convenient one-stop shop for both on‑the‑go and top‑up shopping missions. Its active involvement with local schools, youth groups, churches, and charitable organisations was also highlighted as a key strength.

Exceptional store success

Across the United Kingdom, SPAR retailers were recognised across a variety of focus areas and store formats. SPAR Parkfoot in Kent was recognised for exceptional customer service and a strong team culture that creates a welcoming shopping atmosphere. In the North of England, SPAR Nafferton received the award for its fresh approach to convenience retailing. The store combines specialist counters with a wide selection of locally sourced products, offering customers a modern and welcoming shopping experience. In Lincolnshire, SPAR Ulceby Cross was celebrated for transforming its food-to-go proposition through the introduction of the Tom’s Kitchen concept and dedicated seating for up to 30 customers. Linzi Moore of the EUROSPAR Cullybackey supermarket was honoured for exceptional service and leadership over her 28‑year career, progressing from customer advisor to team leader and now loss prevention co‑ordinator.

Industry recognition

In addition to the individual store successes, SPAR UK was also named Britain’s Favourite Convenience Symbol Group and Britain’s Favourite Convenience Store Group, based on Lumina Intelligence shopper research highlighting improvements in satisfaction scores, particularly in ‘prices’ and ‘ease of shop’.

These achievements reflect the ongoing commitment of SPAR retailers to delivering high‑quality, community-focused convenience stores that meet evolving shopper needs, continuing SPAR’s long-standing mission to support local communities and champion retail innovation.

Source: SPAR UK

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.