'While our family has been at the heart of our business, it is our loyal shoppers and neighbours who have kept us open': Northern Ireland grocer looks back at 70 years of business
Family-run ViVOXTRA supermarket owner James McNeill reflects on seven decades of business, from a grocery delivery van in the 1950s to a thriving store on Main Street, Ballymena
Well-known local grocer, James McNeill has been reflecting on an impressive seven decades of serving his local community, from humble beginnings to a successful business that delivers for the neighbourhood.
In 1955, James operated a grocery van in the area, delivering essentials around Ballymena while providing a trusted and convenient service that has continued to this day.
The family bought a commercial property on Main Street in 1956, which now stands as a ViVOXTRA supermarket, and is run by James’s son, Alistair.
“The support our family business has received from our local shoppers, who are also neighbours we have known for decades, has been immeasurable”, explained Mr McNeill.
“This anniversary is a celebration for us, but also a thank you from our family to those who have grown with our businesses over the years and chosen to get their everyday essentials from us.”
The family has invested around £5 million over the years in several refits and extensions at the ViVOXTRA supermarket to provide even more local services and facilities.
Alistair McNeill, who runs the ViVOXTRA, continued; “The supermarket’s most recent refurbishment was in August 2023 where we injected new life into the store, bringing efficiency for our team with electronic shelf edge labelling, and for our shoppers with better navigation throughout the store and the introduction of self-check-outs.
"We are proud to continue to provide locally sourced fresh groceries, with many sourced from farms and fields mere miles from our store, including potatoes from Gilbert Hood in Broughshane and Dougies Goodies, The Pastry Box, RJ Kerr’s Bakery and Barr’s Butchers, all based in Ballymena.”
A business that has community at heart, McNeill’s ViVOXTRA has 35 dedicated staff from the local area, and the entire team is committed to supporting local organisations and charities that are important to them and their families, including Cancer Fund for Children, ViVOXTRA’s charity partner.
Alistair added: “Our team and shoppers are so generous with their time and donations to our charitable giving. In the past two years, we have been very proud to donate £7,300 to Friends of the Cancer Centre.
“While our family has been at the heart of our business since the doors opened, it is our loyal shoppers and neighbours who have kept us open and helped us grow and evolve our offering. We have celebrated with everyone and offered anniversary deals across various high demand products and everyday essentials, with shoppers taking home a limited-edition McNeill’s ViVOXTRA anniversary special woven shopper tote!”