One of the first EUROSPAR supermarkets to open in Northern Ireland, EUROSPAR Rathgael, has reopened after a £3.3 million refurbishment and extension, creating 21 jobs for the local area.
The 30-week construction saw the original footprint of the store expand out to adjacent premises, which were purchased by owners Henderson Retail last year.
Twenty-six years after it first opened, and over double its original size, standing at almost 7,000 sq. ft., 61 people are now employed at the store. The new look supermarket promises even more locally sourced fresh products and hundreds more everyday essentials, with over 1,600 new lines available alongside some brand new and exclusive services for the local community, which are all even more accessible with increased and enhanced car parking.
Store Manager, Daniel Browne, who has been with the store since 2019 says it’s a momentous occasion, with the new, bigger team delighted to introduce their loyal local shoppers to the new features; “This is one of the original EUROSPAR supermarkets in Northern Ireland, opening in January 2000, and while there have been extensions and improvements over the years, this is the most significant, marking the next chapter for this special site, bringing it right up to 2026 standards to meet the demands of our shoppers.
“The biggest new addition we have in store is the all-new production kitchen, which our shoppers will be really excited about. We have an all-new team of cooks creating freshly made family favourites throughout the day, from lasagne to chicken curry, spaghetti bolognese and carbonara.
“Our food to go options also extend out to an all-new look Delish hot and cold deli bar, with a southern fried chicken and chicken pick n mix bar, while the all-new SPAR Bakery team will bake loaves, rolls, scones and much more, fresh in store every day. There’s plenty to satisfy a sweet tooth with EUROSPAR’s brand-new range of made in-store filled donuts, cakes and desserts that will keep the whole family happy.
“Two Barista Bar Coffee to Go machines round out the to-go options in-store, with everything busy shoppers and commuters could need while stopping in on the way to or home from work, or topping up on fuel at our forecourt.”
Situated in a residential area, the supermarket prides itself on providing even more choice and value for neighbours, providing everything they need on their doorstep and under one roof, including the local Post Office which opens for 12 hours each day.
“We have always been a popular store thanks to our accessibility, delivering retail and service station options on a busy commuter route, while being so close to many residential areas for daily or weekly shops”, continues Daniel.
“Our butchery counter from H&J Carnduff, the family-run butchers based in Newtownards remain in-store, with the team providing quality products sourced from local farms with the best advice and tips for cuts and cooking. Our community values local products and local knowledge, and Carnduffs is a name they trust.”
Supporting the local community isn’t limited to the bricks and mortar store, as, for over 20 years, the in-store team has supported a number of local charities, organisations and community groups.
The store’s community rep, Leona Parsons added; “Our official charity partner is Cancer Fund for Children, and we are delighted to have been part of the recent milestone of £2 million raised through the partnership since 2011.
“We also hold fundraising events for NI Chest, Heart and Stroke and Action Mental Health, while partnering with many other stores in the local area to fundraise for charities that are important to team members, or shoppers, and their families. It’s been a pleasure to go out and meet our neighbours at Oakmount Care Home, treating them with treats from our bakery, while also gifting hampers and fresh fruit and veg to Bangor Independent Christian School and Kilcooley Primary School. We take pride in the area as it is our home too, so we also go out and do regular litter picks to keep the area clean.”
EUROSPAR Rathgael also partners with Bangor Foodbank providing product donations, and to mark their reopening, donated £1,000 to both Kilcooley Women’s Centre & Social Supermarket, The Welcome Organisation and the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, as well as donating toys to the children on the Cancer Unit ward in lieu of the team’s Secret Santa.
George Rankin, Retail Director at Henderson Group added; “EUROSPAR Rathgael is a special store for Henderson Retail. It was one of the first of its kind to open 26 years ago when we introduced the EUROSPAR brand to Northern Ireland. We now have 92 EUROSPAR supermarkets nestled within towns and communities here, providing local jobs and selling local products.
“We are very proud to reveal the all-new EUROSPAR Rathgael and its impressive new array of services, including the in-store production kitchen which we are certain will make a big impact for the local shoppers. The store is packed full of our flagship EUROSPAR services, from Post Office to a local butchery counter, a full-service fuel forecourt, Delish food to go and Barista Bar coffee to go, to name a few.
“With a bigger store comes a bigger team, which gives us more opportunity to support what matters in our local community. We’re looking forward to meeting and supporting many more local community groups and charities, sports clubs and schools in the coming months and years.”
EUROSPAR Rathgael is open seven days a week, 6am – midnight, with Post Office services available 8am – 8pm.
