SPAR group gives Wigan store £250k refit

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.

“The store changes are fantastic and I’m so proud to say that I manage SPAR Whelley," said Rachel. “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.

“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."