The doors have officially opened at the all-new and improved EUROSPAR Linn Road in Larne, following an impressive extension that has doubled the size of the store, bringing over 2,500 additional products and services to the community, while creating 15 jobs.
The extended store, which operated in the local community as a SPAR store for two years, now stands as an expansive 6,433 sq. ft. community supermarket and provides 56 car parking spaces on site.
Within the expansive new offering is SPAR NI’s unrivalled range of fresh and locally sourced groceries for tonight’s tea, plus Delish food-to-go and Barista Bar coffee for those on the go, as well as a fantastic butchery range from Cleaver and Steel, an instore Post Office, and a Mauds ice cream counter.
The store is central to the local community, always going above and beyond to support groups in the area and raise money for local charities. In recent months, the team of 42 dedicated staff have raised an amazing total of over £2,500 for a number of different charities and community groups.
Working alongside East Antrim litter picking organisation, Eco Rangers to reduce litter in the local area, the team collected 89 bags of rubbish, covering a total of three miles around the store. A number of team members also put on their hiking boots and braved Slemish in aid of Angel Wishes, a local NI charity which supports children and their families through cancer diagnosis. The staff also organised a dress up day, selling coffee and cake in aid of Hope House, a respite centre for families undergoing treatment.
Being a hub in the local community, the team also directed efforts into supporting those close to home, by volunteering at Larne Community Centre making calls to their neighbours who are suffering from loneliness and who now look forward to having a chat with many of the team members from EUROSPAR Linn Road.
The store has also been working with Larne Foodbank, setting up a food collection point in store so staff and shoppers can donate on a regular basis, alleviating the stress on those who are struggling.
As well as this, the store, with the help of their shoppers, have made multiple generous donations to charities and community groups including Chest Heart & Stroke, Antiville Community Association and Larne Community Centre. The store also has an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) installed, making life saving equipment available to the community 24/7.
Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group which owns EUROSPAR in Northern Ireland, commented; “The outlet on Linn Road has been a successful local store for the community here in Larne for two years as a SPAR, and the past six months as a EUROSPAR. We are delighted to invest in the area and create even more services for our neighbours, bring added convenience with 54 parking spaces, provide even more local products and essentials and create further employment opportunities.
“The impact this store has had on local charities and their community over the years is exceptional. Fundraising and supporting charities is at the heart of our company, so it’s great to see our stores and their teams following in these footsteps and bringing their communities together. Their recent extension and additions to the team will only allow them to continue their fantastic work giving back to their community.”
Alex Manu, Store Manager, commented, “The extension and new look for our store enables us to provide the community with top quality products and services. We all love being such a big part of our local community, from seeing friendly faces in store to raising money for our community groups. It means so much to me and my team to show support to our local area and charities close to our hearts, which we plan to continue doing in the years to come.”
