It’s been less than a week since the new EUROSPAR Downpatrick opened on the Ardglass Road, but already, the store and its team have made a huge contribution to the local neighbourhood.
Led by store manager, Lisa McKee, and the store’s community rep, Maggie Wilcox, EUROSPAR Downpatrick is a hub for local residents, schools and community groups, with the two leading a key community engagement strategy that will see that contribution continue for years to come.
Lisa McKee commented; “Downpatrick has had a tough few months since the flooding in November last year, which impacted many services and jobs in the town. This 6,275 sq. ft. superstore caters for every shopper’s need, from the local ingredients to make a meal for tonight’s tea, to big brand value deals and an array of freshly made, pre-prepared meals to take home.
“It is rare to have such a size of supermarket that brings that level of service to a town, and we’re delighted to open our doors to secure 17 jobs from the former Connolly’s SPAR, and bring a much needed 56 new jobs to the local area, assisted by the local Jobs & Benefits Office.”
The supermarket will fundraise for EUROSPAR’s charity partner, Cancer Fund for Children throughout the year, but even before opening, the store and butchery, Devlin’s, had already engaged with and supported many local organisations, including Action Mental Health’s Downpatrick Men’s Shed, All Lives Are Precious (ALPS) - a community mental health hub in Downpatrick, Simon Community NI and Fountain Foodbank.
Lisa continued; “We partnered with Michael Devlin to provide a meat parcel to Simon Community’s Saul Street hub, and continued that partnership by donating a selection of meals each evening from our Delish fresh kitchen throughout our opening week. Shoppers can also find a collection point in-store for Fountain Foodbank, which we will donate to the hub from each month.
“Alongside these activities, we have also sponsored Manus and the team at Pop Up Art to support the creative work they carry out in the local community, while also committing to keeping the area clean with regular litter picks throughout the year.
“Already we have carried out a litter pick along Ardglass Road, St. Dillon’s Avenue and John Street, taking away 15 bags of rubbish from the roadside.”
EUROSPAR Downpatrick also has an Automated External Defibrillator installed outside the store, available to the local community 24/7, Lisa finished; “It is a potentially lifesaving piece of kit, one that could be essential in an emergency. It is really beneficial for our local community, especially in this residential area, to have it to hand should it ever be needed.”
EUROSPAR Downpatrick is open 6am – 11pm.