Watts Spar in Ballyclare has officially reopened its doors following a significant £3m expansion and refurbishment.
The new-look store has been under renovation for nine months, doubling in size to 4,800 sq.ft., and has also provided 16 new jobs, including on the shop floor and in the instore Deli.
The investment has resulted in an expansion of Watt’s Deli, serving breakfast and lunch to go, ready meals and sweet treats made instore.
The Ballyclare site was purchased by Norman Watt in 1950 and has been owned and operated by the Watt family since. Gerry Watt commented: “With the support of our loyal customers and community we’ve once again been able to make a significant investment into the store.
“We’ve made many changes over the years including the store being knocked down and rebuilt in late 1960s and 2000, and it’s amazing to see the store as it is today. For over 70 years we’ve been proud to serve our local community, and we hope this latest development to the store will help us better meet our customers’ needs and expectations.”
The store is celebrating its reopening with a weekly draw, giving shoppers the chance to win a £50 store voucher. Gerry concluded: “It’s been so important to our family, and the whole team here at Watt’s Spar that we celebrate the reopening with our shoppers and give back to them as a thank you for their support over the years.
“I wish to extend a huge thank you to our all shoppers and our amazing team, especially Emily Beattie who has been with us for 20 years and Leah McIntyre, for 16 years, their dedication does not go unnoticed.”
Richard Ash, Sales Director at Henderson Group, which owns the Spar brand in Northern Ireland, added: “We wish to congratulate Gerry, the Watt family and the whole team at Watt’s Spar on this incredible investment into their store and community. The refurbishment has allowed them to provide even more value for shoppers, as well as providing more jobs for those in the local area.”
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