Lawrence Hunt & Co. Ltd has given its Whelley SPAR store in Wigan a major boost with a £250,000 refurbishment.
What’s more, Store Manager Rachel Neacy will lead the SPAR into its new era, and she counts her mum Christine as part of her store team, with 57 years of retail experience between them at SPAR Whelley.
The transformed 1,800 sq. ft. SPAR store has had a range of exciting new additions implemented during the refit process including a Cheeky Coffee machine, a popular Calippo slush machine, and fwip ice cream offer to boot.
Brand new energy efficient refrigeration and freezers have been installed adding capacity for food and drink, while improving the presentation of products for customers, and air conditioning has been introduced in the refit to keep the store temperature consistent and comfortable.
New flooring and a black ceiling have given the store a thoroughly modern look and feel too, and customers have sight of the full range from wherever they are positioned in-store thanks to new lower-level shelving.
The new features continue at the entrance to the store with a new shop counter and the addition of an automatic sliding door, while outside a ramp has been constructed making access to the store much easier, and an InPost locker has been added adjacent to the ATM.
Both Rachel and Christine are confident the store’s all-round offer and services will show its competition in the area a clean pair of heels.
Rachel said: “The store changes are fantastic and I’m so proud to say that I manage SPAR Whelley.
“I started here when I was 15 years old in 2000 when I came for a part time job, and I’ve been here all my life working my way up through positions to become Store Manager.
“I did go to university where I studied fashion, and I think I utilise those skills in the store when we dress the shop for seasonal events like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
“I love working in retail, speaking to the customers every day, and dealing with new situations that arise as no two days are the same.
“We have an amazing team of 15 staff here at Whelley and I’m excited to take the store forward.”
Christine said: “I think the best is yet to come with the new features as more and more people become aware of them.
“The Cheeky Coffee machine is great and will be popular with tradespeople, particularly in a morning, and children will love the Calippo and fwip machines at school finishing time.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes in the years I have worked here but this refurbishment is definitely the best of them – the store looks absolutely brilliant.
“I honestly don’t know where time has gone. I remember starting here just months after Hunts acquired the store from its previous owners.
“I got a job doing nights initially as my mother-in-law lived on the next street, before progressing to day shifts, and it really suited me. Then Rachel began here when she needed a job.
“I really love the day to day of working in the store. It worked well for me in 1989 when I started, and still does today with Rachel as Store Manager, and hopefully it will continue to suit for many years to come.”
Jack Hunt, Retail Development Manager at Lawrence Hunt & Co. Ltd, said: “SPAR Whelley is a great example of a community store with a team who are all local and know our customers well.
“A lot of work has gone into the complete refurbishment, and we are thrilled with the outcome of the refit.
“We feel we now have a modernised offer that is better aligned to the local area. Early results are encouraging and I’m looking forward to seeing the store progress.
“We are also fortunate to have a team that includes Rachel and Christine who have been wonderful employees for a combined 57 years and counting.
“As a family business owning and operating SPAR stores, it’s lovely to have those familial relationships within our stores too.”
Lawrence Hunt & Co. Ltd is a fourth-generation family business operating 22 SPAR stores across the North West of England. The business has been associated with SPAR since opening their first store under the symbol in 1957.
The stores are serviced by James Hall & Co. Ltd, a fifth-generation family business, which serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston.
For more information about James Hall & Co. Ltd, please visit www.jameshall.co.uk.
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