ViVOXTRA retailer James McNeill, has been reflecting on an impressive seven decades of serving his local community, from humble beginnings to a successful business that delivers for the local neighbourhood.
In 1955, James operated a grocery van in the area, delivering essentials around Ballymena while providing a trusted and convenient service that has continued to this day. The family then bought a commercial property on Main Street in 1956, which now stands as a ViVOXTRA supermarket run by James’s son, Alistair.
“The support our family business has received from our local shoppers - who are also neighbours we’ve known for decades - has been immeasurable,” said James.
“This anniversary is a celebration for us, but also a thank you from our family to those who have grown with our businesses over the years and chosen to get their everyday essentials from us.”
The family has invested around £5m over the years in several refits and extensions at the supermarket, to provide more local services and facilities.
Alistair commented; “The supermarket’s most recent refurbishment was in August 2023, where we injected new life into the store, bringing efficiency for our team with electronic shelf-edge labelling, and for our shoppers with better navigation and the introduction of self check-outs.”
McNeill’s ViVOXTRA has 35 dedicated staff from the local area, and the entire team is committed to supporting local organisations and charities important to them and their families, including Cancer Fund for Children, ViVOXTRA’s charity partner.
Alistair concluded: “Our team and shoppers are so generous with their time and donations to our charitable giving. In the past two years, we’ve been very proud to donate £7,300 to Friends of the Cancer Centre.
“While our family has been at the heart of our business since the doors opened, it’s our loyal shoppers who’ve kept us open and helped us grow and evolve our offering. We’ve celebrated with everyone and offered anniversary deals across various high demand products and everyday essentials, with shoppers taking home a limited McNeill’s ViVOXTRA anniversary special woven shopper tote bag.”
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