EUROSPAR reaches 50th store milestone

The retailer has also announced that a further five stores will open before the end of 2016.

As the 50th EUROSPAR opens in Fintona, Co. Tyrone on 2 June, it marks the brand achieving the largest number of stores from any supermarket brand in Northern Ireland.

The niche convenience-supermarket brand is owned by the Henderson Group and has operated in Northern Ireland since 2000. The company has invested a total of £70M in the brand over the past 16 years.

In September 2015, the Group celebrated 15 years of the brand successfully operating in Northern Ireland and projected the opening of the 50th store by the end of 2016. With this landmark surpassed already, Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at the Henderson Group looks ahead to further openings this year.

Mr Doody commented: “The strength of the EUROSPAR brand in Northern Ireland shows that the way people are shopping is changing. Consumers no longer want to take time out of their busy lives to visit a multiple for a ‘big shop’, they are looking for convenience and value but with the choice of a multiple, and that is where the EUROSPAR brand delivers.

“Just a matter of months ago, we were planning to open eight more stores here in 2016, surpassing the 50th store milestone, and we have already done this, with a further five planned to open by the end of the year.

“Investment in this brand has reached over £70m and we will continue to invest to bring a better and more convenient way of every day shopping throughout Northern Ireland.”

Through the 20 company-owned EUROSPARs here, Henderson Group directly employ over 600 members of staff, with over 1,000 more employed through the rest of the independently-owned EUROSPAR network.

Mr Doody continued: “As we continue to recruit retailers and open supermarkets within communities, we are providing vital employment opportunities, and also enabling local suppliers and farmers to get their products on our shelves. Over 75% of our fresh product is sourced here including the new enjoy local range which is made up of 144 products from 25 local suppliers, while many EUROSPARs provide the local butcher, bakery and post office services for the community.

“The new stores will also have the opportunity to provide life-saving equipment for their area with the installation of a new, state-of-the-art defibrillator that will be accessible to the public 24/7.”

The first two EUROSPARs opened in Bangor and Warrenpoint in 2000. The 50th store, EUROSPAR Fintona opened on Thursday, 2 June 2016.