50 years of business for McCracken’s SPAR in Portadown

Local man James McCracken is thanking customers for their loyalty as the family’s SPAR store celebrates 50 years of business and home delivery service in Portadown.
By Claire Cartmill
Published 5th Jan 2022, 12:00 BST
Ciaran Haren and Justin Hayes from Henderson Group present a commemorative plaque from SPAR NI to celebrate 50 years of business with owner James McCracken from McCrackens SPAR in PortadownCiaran Haren and Justin Hayes from Henderson Group present a commemorative plaque from SPAR NI to celebrate 50 years of business with owner James McCracken from McCrackens SPAR in Portadown
Ciaran Haren and Justin Hayes from Henderson Group present a commemorative plaque from SPAR NI to celebrate 50 years of business with owner James McCracken from McCrackens SPAR in Portadown

The store was opened in 1971 by James’ father, Gerry McCracken with just three employees, it’s since had eight refurbishments with an investment of approximately £300,000. McCracken’s SPAR has now quadrupled its employees to 12 and the family name is celebrated amongst the business community.

The McCracken family also own a local bakery on the Garvaghy Road ‘The Home Bakery’ and have supplied a range of their fresh bakery lines instore daily. The store also has its own butchery counter which has been a huge part of the store since its opening 50 years ago, continuing their commitment to offering local produce.

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James said: “Our store has provided the local community with their daily essentials for the last 50 years and it’s been an honor to be part of the journey and watch the store grow and evolve. We’re particularly proud of our home delivery service which sets us apart from local competition, and has given the local community a lifeline particularly over the past couple of years. We have reached a huge milestone this year, and we hope to continue supporting our loyal customers over the next 50 years.”

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Related topics:Portadown