SPAR UK partners Henderson and A.F. Blakemore expand and ensure continued supply to local communities through the acquisition of SPAR stores.

Henderson grows store numbers

Henderson Retail announced the acquisition of two neighbourhood SPAR stores, SPAR Barbican in Annalong and SPAR Anderson Gardens in Omagh. The Annalong premises has been operated by Simon Heenan and his family for 30 years, while Anderson Gardens has been owned by Jimmy and Una McGirr for the past 27 years. The 42 colleagues employed by SPAR Barbican and 33 colleagues working at SPAR Anderson Gardens have been retained.

Additionally, Henderson Retail celebrated the opening of EUROSPAR Supermarket in Coleraine. The EUROSPAR replaced the SPAR neighbourhood store which stood on the same site for over 20 years. The new premises represents a significant investment from the company to provide even more value, products and services for the local community.

This brings the total number of SPAR and EUROSPAR stores operated by Henderson Retail in Northern Ireland to 106. A significant number of projects by Henderson Retail has also seen the expansion and renovation of stores throughout Northern Ireland.

Blakemore Retail acquires Hockmeyer Motors Limited

A.F. Blakemore expanded its operation in Sleaford, Lincolnshire after agreeing a deal to purchase Hockmeyer Motors Limited. Hockmeyer Motors Limited was established in 1937, with the family business moving to the SPAR brand in 2011. Husband and wife duo, Rachael and Christian, continued to invest in the business by taking the SPAR convenience store from 92m² to 195m², undertaking a forecourt refurbishment and adding a café.

Blakemore Retail continues to strengthen its overall retail and forecourt operation. Other recent expansion in the last six months came from the acquisition of SPAR stores in Tipton, Phoenix Park (Nottingham) and a new build SPAR store opening in Warrens Wood, Gainsborough. This brings the total number of A.F. Blakemore SPAR convenience stores and forecourt sites to 260 across England and Wales.

Source: SPAR UK

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.