‘Perfect example of passionate retailers’: Northern Ireland couple invest £1m and expand portfolio to eight community stores

Northern Ireland husband-and-wife duo Gavan and Helen Wall, owners of The Wall Group (TWG), have expanded their retail portfolio to eight stores with the relaunch of the newly refurbished EUROSPAR Springfield Road in west Belfast.

The £1 million investment has transformed the 5,844 sq ft store, which TWG acquired from local retailer Brendan McKee in September 2025.

The redevelopment has created 20 new jobs, bringing the total number of people employed at the store to 65, with the team drawn from the local area.

The new-look EUROSPAR features a Walls Foodhall Butchery counter and a Food-to-Go deli offering hot breakfasts and lunches, alongside a new Subway counter. Customers can also choose from an expanded range of everyday essentials, fresh food and SPAR Bakery products, as well as an increased selection of local grocery suppliers.

The store has also introduced Pattons Bakery products and expanded its dairy and fresh produce ranges.

A range of essential services has returned to the area, including an Off Licence, Barista Bar coffee machine and both internal and external ATMs.

Opening hours have also been extended, with the store now trading 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Further investment is planned in a second phase of the redevelopment, which will focus on the exterior of the site, including upgraded parking, relocated fuel pumps, improved store access and new external branding.

Gavan Wall, store owner, said the investment reflected the group’s commitment to the communities in which it operates: “We are committed to the communities within which we operate, and are delighted to add another EUROSPAR to our network of stores which are providing local jobs and supporting local producers and suppliers.

“Our new opening hours have already been so beneficial with a number of late-night workers in the area, including those from The Royal Victoria Hospital, which is within a stone’s throw of the amazing new store.

“We are looking forward to phase two of the refurbishment, which will redevelop the exterior of the store, including relocating pumps, new external imagery and increased car parking space for our shoppers’ convenience.”

TWG has also been supporting the local community since taking ownership of the store, raising funds for EUROSPAR NI’s official charity partner, Cancer Fund for Children. The group plans to continue its fundraising efforts for the charity, which supports families and young people affected by cancer.

Store manager Cameron Hughes said the team was looking forward to strengthening its relationship with the local community.

He explained: “We have a fantastic team here at the new EUROSPAR Springfield Road and we all look forward to deepening our connection with the local community and developing our engagement and fundraising activities, while providing outstanding customer service daily for our shoppers.

“We look forward to what the future holds for EUROSPAR Springfield Road.”

Richard Ash, sales director at Henderson Group, said the redevelopment demonstrated the positive impact independent retailers can have in their communities.

He added: “It is fantastic to see the new features, offers and products come to life for our local shoppers at EUROSPAR Springfield Road.

“TWG is a perfect example of passionate retailers with a network of community stores, continuing to make a positive impact while serving their community. We wish the whole team good luck for the future of this fantastic store.”