SPAR UK has reaffirmed its position at the heart of independent retailing, taking home an outstanding 14 awards and five Highly Commended accolades at the 2025 Retail Industry Awards.
The glittering evening celebrated innovation, investment and community excellence across the convenience sector, with SPAR front and centre, showcasing the strength and diversity of the SPAR network.
Among the most celebrated winners was SPAR Parkfoot in West Malling, Kent, which took home two major honours: Forecourt Retailer of the Year (up to 3,000sqft) and Independent Retailer of the Year (1,501sqft to 3,000sqft).
A third-generation family business, SPAR Parkfoot continues to invest in fresh innovation, sustainability and its renowned Parkfoot Eats kitchen, cementing its reputation as both a community hub and a retail success story.
David Charman said: “To win these awards is absolutely amazing. All my staff work so hard to develop and maintain our store 24 hours a day, every day. For them, it’s recognition in an extremely competitive market and truly puts a spring in their steps. For our customers, some who have shopped with us for decades, it’s another reason to smile when they come into the store. It also gives huge confidence for new arrivals that they are in a great store. The win will just consolidate our team’s drive to perform at their highest level always.”
Equally impressive was McCammond SPAR Abbots Cross in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, winner of Most Improved Store and Post Office Retailer of the Year (Independent). Sisters Becky and Lucy McCammond have transformed the store through a £620,000 refit, driving sales growth and revitalising the Post Office while deepening community engagement.
Becky and Lucy McCammond said: “This was our first experience of the Retail Industry Awards since taking over SPAR Abbot’s Cross in May 2024 and it was an incredible night. We are so proud to have won two awards in the face of competition from across the UK!
“We have worked very hard to transform our store into a community hub for our neighbourhood. We are proud of the updates we have made and the additional services we have brought to the area, including enhancing our Post Office services. It has been a whirlwind 18 months and we are so happy to be multi-award winning thanks to our store and our fantastic team!”
Meanwhile, SPAR Monaghan Road in Armagh, Co Armagh was crowned Chilled Retailer of the Year, recognised for its outstanding fresh food range and significant investment in new refrigeration and expanded space.
SPAR retailers across the South West also shone brightly. SPAR The Old Dairy, Pydar Stores in Truro, Cornwall was named Food-to-go Retailer of the Year (up to 3,000sqft), praised for its destination food-to-go offer that has redefined the store’s role in the local community.
Judith Smitham said: “We are delighted with our award win. Food-to-go forms 20% of our business and hopefully will offer some protection in these challenging times.”
In Dorset, SPAR Hawtree & Sons, Riverside Garage, West Stour claimed Forecourt Retailer of the Year (over 3,001sqft), with judges highlighting its blend of commercial excellence, innovation and community involvement.
Sebastian Hawtree said: “We’re incredibly proud of our award win. It’s great to see our commitment to improving Riverside and our mission to make it a true community destination being recognised. This award reflects the hard work of our team and our dedication to offering the very best in service and facilities for our customers.”
The night also saw exceptional recognition for Henderson Retail, which won seven awards including the prestigious Convenience Retailer of the Year title.
Operating 114 stores across Northern Ireland and employing more than 4,000 people, Henderson Retail impressed judges with strong like-for-like sales, bold investment, and a data-driven approach to range, service, and customer experience.
SPAR Malone Road, one of Henderson’s flagship sites, took home multiple accolades: Forecourt Retailer of the Year, Post Office Retailer of the Year and Store Team of the Year. Site Manager Samuel McCann was also named Store Manager of the Year, praised for his inspirational leadership and for transforming the store into a benchmark for modern forecourt retailing.
Reflecting on the night, Ian Taylor, SPAR UK Retail & Brand Development Director, said: “This year’s Retail Industry Awards were a brilliant celebration of independent convenience retailing. We are absolutely thrilled for our SPAR retailers and stores, who have shone like stars in what continues to be a challenging trading environment.
“These wins are testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, investment and dedication our retailers bring to their local communities every single day. SPAR UK will continue to support them in driving innovation, growth and customer satisfaction across the sector.”