SPAR and EUROSPAR retailers had a successful night at the recent NR Awards, picking up an incredible ten awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for long-time SPAR retailer Charlie Hamilton, and Creightons EUROSPAR of Balmoral being named Retailer of the Year 2024.

Independent SPAR and EUROSPAR owners had a glittering night, with Trainor Bros. SPAR, Poyntzpass taking home the Customer Service of the Year Award, McCullagh’s Classic SPAR Service Station in Omagh picking up Forecourt of the Year (Category 2), with Maxol SPAR Edenderry winning Neighbourhood Store of the Year (Category 2) and Maxol SPAR Braid River, Ballymena lifting the much-coveted Sustainability Champion of the Year award.

Speaking of the top award won by Creightons EUROSPAR of Balmoral, judges said; “The winning store offers a diverse product range, from popular items to unique finds, many of which are crafted in-house. Their exceptional customer service fosters loyalty and creates a positive shopping experience. Rooted in the community, the store actively supports local initiatives. They invest time and resources to benefit the neighbourhood and attract customers.”

Of Charlie Hamilton’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Neighbourhood Retailer publisher Bill Penton said; “We were thrilled to present Charlie Hamilton with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. With a long-standing background in retail, which has seen him introduce ground-breaking innovations in the industry, he is an entrepreneur who has gone from strength to strength over the last 45 years. A well-respected and popular businessman known right across Northern Ireland, he is a truly deserved recipient of this prestigious accolade.”

For Henderson Retail, John Fox of EUROSPAR Greencastle Street in Kilkeel was triumphant in the Store Manager of the Year category, while SPAR Loughbrickland won Community Store of the Year with judges impressed with the store’s support for various charities, groups, and individuals, saying “they have demonstrated their ability to react quickly to unforeseen challenges and use these to provide positive support for others in their community.”

EUROSPAR Downpatrick, which opened earlier in 2024, was named Newcomer of the Year, with judges commenting; “This store made a strong impression. Mystery shoppers were impressed by its spacious and inviting design, as well as its extensive product selection.”

Patrick Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group which owns the franchise for SPAR in Northern Ireland said it was a fantastic year for their independent retailers at the awards.

Mr Doody commented; “It has been a successful awards season for our independent retailers and I send my congratulations on behalf of Henderson Group to the teams at all of our shortlisted and winning independent SPAR and EUROSPAR stores.

“SPAR stores across Northern Ireland are known for being hubs of their community, and these stores always strive to do the best for those in their local area through sponsorships, providing local schools with sports kits and snacks for sports days and donating products to local food banks. They are consistent with their commitment to customer service, not only providing a top standard service day in and day out, but also listening to their shoppers  and keeping the shelves stocked with fresh and locally sourced products.  Some retailers are even producing their own line of fresh, chilled products and meals.”

Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group added; “We are very proud at Henderson Retail. The Awards season continues to highlight the great work our store teams are doing in their communities, alongside our company’s commitment to enhancing local areas with additional services, products and local employment.

“EUROSPAR Downpatrick opened a matter of months ago and has exceeded expectations, providing the area with a fresh foods superstore and food to go options, boosting footfall and sales in its opening month.

“We are delighted for John Fox at EUROSPAR Greencastle Street, with judges commending him for the results he has achieved. John’s management has created a positive culture throughout employees in-store, while also working hard to engage his team with the local community to enhance the area.”

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