James Hall celebrates Moorclose SPAR store's refurbished look

A SPAR store in Moorclose, Workington on Wednesday (2) reopened its doors to customers after a comprehensive refurbishment was completed in just 16 days.

James Hall & Co. Ltd celebrated the reopening of the G&E Murgatroyd company-owned SPAR store with the community of Moorclose as eager locals queued up to catch a first glimpse of the store's new new look.

The store now has the bonus of an integrated Post Office after it moved location inside the SPAR during the refurbishment.

The Moorclose SPAR closed on Sept 15 for its transformation. The new features also include a Cheeky Coffee machine and a hot Food To Go counter.

Inside the store, there has also been a complete replacement of fixtures and fittings, including new lower shelving enabling customers to see across the store, and brighter lit modern refrigeration.

The range of products has also been enhanced with a comprehensive offer of convenience goods including fresh and frozen, a well-stocked beers, wines and spirits section, and big brands at low prices.

Debbie Smith of Workington Town Rugby League Football Club and members of Moorclose Community Centre joined James Hall & Co. Ltd’s Company Stores Director Fiona Drummond to cut the ribbon officially declaring it reopen.

After the ribbon was cut, the first 50 customers through the door were given "Tonight’s Tea for Free" along with a slice of Post Office cake celebrating its relocation.

A family fun day will also take place at the SPAR on Saturday (5) from 11am until 1pm where customers can spin the SPAR wheel to win prizes, children can have their faces painted, and enjoy having their photos taken with the SPAR mascot.

Ahead of the reopening, SPAR has also donated funding to Workington Town Rugby League Football Club and the Moorclose Community Centre.

Debbie Smith, Workington Town Community Trust Manager, said, “The store looks brilliant, I’m very impressed with the changes. It’s a welcoming SPAR store with a great offer for the local community.

“We’re very grateful to SPAR for the funding we have received. We’re a thriving community club with men’s and women’s rugby league teams, as well as football and netball. The funding will go to our holiday activity clubs, reducing the cost of these for youngsters wanting to attend, as our aim is taking down barriers to try and encourage and enable more children to access sport.”

Jonathan Cuthell, from Moorclose Community Centre, said, “I can’t believe how different the store is! The changes are great, really bringing it up to date, and it makes sense to integrate the Post Office. The automatic door has improved access and the selection of products in the SPAR is fantastic.

“We are very happy to have received the donation from SPAR. Anything we get in goes straight back out towards helping the community. The unwanted fridge and microwave that were being taken out as part of the SPAR’s refurbishment have also gone to good homes, so we are very pleased with the outcome.”

Valerie Logan, who lives around the corner, said, “Everything has improved. I thought ‘wow’, what an amazing job that has been done!

“I can pop over the road and get what I need. You always could get everything you wanted, but now there is even more. The staff are happy and welcoming, and the lower shelving has made it easier to see and more of a pleasant place to shop.

“I also really like the Cheeky Coffee machine. I can get a decent latte now, which is always my choice, without having to get the cost of a bus into town.”

Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary retailer, wholesaler, and distributor for the North of England, said, “I’m thrilled with the changes we have made to our SPAR store at Moorclose in Workington. It has been a long time since we invested anything into it and now the community have a 21st century SPAR store they can be proud to shop at.

“We were very conscious that our valued customers would miss the SPAR while it was closed for a full refurbishment, and I would like to congratulate the entire team who have worked night and day to complete the changes in 16 days, including integrating a Post Office, which is a real asset for the store.”

James Hall & Co. Ltd is 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