The grand opening of the new-build McAnallen’s of Benburb SPAR store on Saturday 4th of May comes in the twentieth year of the family trading in the Tyrone-Armagh border village.

Local businessman Brendan McAnallen branched into retail with ‘Benburb Village Stores’ on Main Street in 1999. The latest project, which began construction in February 2018, has brought a purpose-built 3,500sq-ft modern SPAR store, spacious car park and forecourt facilities to the Derryfubble Road.

Brendan explains; “Benburb has been a rapidly growing village in the two decades since we started trading. While staff and shoppers alike were very fond of the old Main Street shop, we needed more floorspace and greater room outside to provide our customers with the best service to meet their requirements. We now know that their everyday shopping needs can be catered to and took great pride in developing the new store.”

The spacious store provides a unique shopping experience, as the McAnallen family have carefully incorporated the natural and built heritage of the village into aspects of the interior design. Above the main entrance is an eye-catching light fitting that represents the nearby Blackwater River, while historical imagery and facts about Benburb adorn the adjacent walls.

Brendan, along with his wife Bridget and two sons Fergus and Donal maintain a regular presence in the shop, with Fergus overseeing the daily running of the business.

Fergus hopes the new store will play a fulfilling role in the area, commenting: “We employ locally, use local suppliers and in turn contribute to the local economy – that gives us a great sense of satisfaction. We will also be showcasing home and handmade products in our extensive gifting section that highlight the brands and talent we have in the region.”

Donal explains; “Family is at the core of this business, and this is an exciting time for the McAnallens. Fergus and our father have been leading the business for years, and indeed our late brother Cormac worked in the old shop whenever he could, but now a venture of this scale needs the whole family to be involved. My wife Pauline and I hope that our children do their part in the future and thus continue to build upon the family-run shop tradition for years to come”.

Stephen Gibson, Channel Sales Manager from the Henderson Group added; “We are thrilled to see the McAnallen family open their new store in Benburb. As dedicated retailers and local town residents, they have built a sterling reputation for exceptional customer service and embody our ‘local store’ ethos.

“Shoppers can expect all of their everyday essentials in store, as well as fresh, locally sourced products and a wide range of organic, free-from and vegan friendly options .The state-of-the-art kitchen and deli will offer an enhanced selection of breakfasts and hot meals that can be enjoyed at the bespoke dining area, or shoppers can purchase convenient and tasty home-made ready meals. A true one-stop-shop, the new SPAR will also have Barista Bar coffee, Post Office services and daily banking facilities.”

Brendan McAnallen finished; “Our family has been privileged to serve the village of Benburb for twenty years and hope our loyal customers will join us in celebrating the grand opening on Saturday 4th May. We look forward to a great future with McAnallens of Benburb SPAR.”

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