EUROSPAR Rathgael supermarket in Bangor, County Down, reopened following a £3.3 million refurbishment and extension. The 30-week project expanded the store into adjacent premises bought by owners Henderson Retail. The site now measures almost 7,000 square feet, more than double its original size.

One of the first EUROSPAR supermarkets in Northern Ireland, the store opened in January 2000. It now employs 61 people, including 21 new jobs created for the local area.

Store manager Daniel Browne stated the refurbishment marks a significant upgrade to meet shopper demands. The store added a production kitchen where staff prepare items such as lasagne, chicken curry, and pasta dishes daily.

New features include a Delish deli bar with hot and cold options, a SPAR Bakery producing loaves, rolls, and desserts daily, and two Barista Bar coffee machines. The store stocks more locally sourced products and over 1,600 additional product lines. It retains a butchery counter from H&J Carnduff of Newtownards and houses a local Post Office open 12 hours daily.

The supermarket supports local charities including Cancer Fund for Children, with £2 million raised since 2011. It holds events for NI Chest, Heart and Stroke and Action Mental Health. Recent donations went to Kilcooley Women’s Centre, The Welcome Organisation, and Children’s Cancer Unit Charity. The reopening included £1,000 contributions to those groups and toy donations to hospital children.

Community representative Leona Parsons noted team visits to Oakmount Care Home and schools with gifts, plus regular litter picks. The store partners with Bangor Foodbank on product donations.

Henderson Group retail director George Rankin said the store introduced the EUROSPAR brand to Northern Ireland 26 years ago. Henderson Retail now operates 92 such supermarkets here. EUROSPAR Rathgael remains open daily from 6am to midnight, situated on a commuter route near residential areas with enhanced parking and a fuel forecourt.