New SPAR fit-out brings 21 new jobs

Henderson Retail has just completed the £500,000 fit-out of the recently constructed SPAR Carnmoney Hill, the first of its new builds to open amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing 21 new jobs to the local community.
By Claire Cartmill
Published 17th Jul 2020, 06:00 BST
The store was officially opened by local resident and recently retired former SPAR store manager, Bertie Tyrrell (centre) who worked for Henderson Retail for over 20 years in a variety of store and support team roles. He was joined by his wife Kate who also worked for the company. Also pictured is store manager Andrew McIleese (left) and area manager, Ian Mullin (right).The store was officially opened by local resident and recently retired former SPAR store manager, Bertie Tyrrell (centre) who worked for Henderson Retail for over 20 years in a variety of store and support team roles. He was joined by his wife Kate who also worked for the company. Also pictured is store manager Andrew McIleese (left) and area manager, Ian Mullin (right).
The store was officially opened by local resident and recently retired former SPAR store manager, Bertie Tyrrell (centre) who worked for Henderson Retail for over 20 years in a variety of store and support team roles. He was joined by his wife Kate who also worked for the company. Also pictured is store manager Andrew McIleese (left) and area manager, Ian Mullin (right).

Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group which owns the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland, says it has not been without its challenges, but this new store has an important role to play in setting the new standards of shopping for Northern Ireland.

Mark explained; “We started this build back in 2019, and had originally hoped to open in May however, due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown, we had to stop the construction and of course, adjust our plans around the future of retail here in Northern Ireland.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As one of the essential businesses which remained open throughout lockdown, Mark says they have overcome huge challenges to set the standard of safety across the entire network, and the project at SPAR Carnmoney Hill has provided an opportunity to incorporate all the new safety measures as part of the store design.

Pictured outside is store manager, Andrew McIleesePictured outside is store manager, Andrew McIleese
Pictured outside is store manager, Andrew McIleese

He continued: “Overnight we had to put safety measures in place as an essential business providing a service for our local communities. Including our independent retail stores, there are over 460 SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO branded stores in Northern Ireland. We moved fast, to secure all the vital materials we needed to provide the safest possible environment for shoppers and staff, even as lockdown eases.”

Beyond the enhanced distancing and safety features, the store will operate with an abundance of fresh and locally sourced products, a local butchery counter from Irvine’s Chop Shop, a SPAR Bakery and will stock ‘The Chef’ range of ready-prepared meals from the brand’s chef partner, Carl Johannesson.

The store was officially opened by local resident and recently retired former SPAR store manager, Bertie Tyrrell who worked for Henderson Retail for over 20 years in a variety of store and support team roles. He was joined by his wife Kate who also worked for the company.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mark added: “The amenities and services provided in the store are second to none, including our popular Barista Bar coffee and treats. We are also looking forward to launching our Mauds Ice-cream counter as local customers will be aware that Carnmoney Hill was the original retail outlet for the famous local brand. “The store will also feature self-scan checkouts as another option for customers looking for fast, contactless payment methods.”

Henderson Retail has just completed the £500,000 fit-out of the recently constructed SPAR Carnmoney Hill, the first of its new builds to open amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing 21 new jobs to the local communityHenderson Retail has just completed the £500,000 fit-out of the recently constructed SPAR Carnmoney Hill, the first of its new builds to open amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing 21 new jobs to the local community
Henderson Retail has just completed the £500,000 fit-out of the recently constructed SPAR Carnmoney Hill, the first of its new builds to open amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing 21 new jobs to the local community

Since March 2020, Henderson Group has invested over £1 million in protective measures and communications for retailers and shoppers.

Henderson Retail have significant future investment plans in place and will open two further new-build community supermarkets in 2020, at EUROSPAR Millisle in County Down and ViVOXTRA Newry Road, Banbridge, both of which are at advanced stages of construction.

For further information on the measures taken to ensure shopper safety, visit www.spar-ni.co.uk.

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you

Related topics:Henderson GroupNorthern Ireland