RETAIL PROFILE
442 STORES AND COUNTING FOR HENDERSON GROUP
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peaking with Patrick Doody, sales and marketing director at Henderson Group, it’s clear that as the familyrun company celebrates its 120-year anniversary, 2017 was a year dominated by growth on all fronts. It witnessed significant increases in new independent and company-owned – known as Henderson Retail – store developments, substantial investment in new commercial property and company infrastructure, continued investment in its marketing initiatives, and the rollout and development of new and existing services to capitalise on sales potential across its SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO store network throughout Northern Ireland. To understand just how successful 2017 36
has been, Patrick delved into the make-up of the convenience sector in Northern Ireland. At times a congested marketplace, the total convenience sector in Northern Ireland currently sits at approximately 992 stores. “We’ve now reached 442 stores in our network, both independent and company-owned, said Patrick. “That’s an unprecedented 32 new stores this year alone, up from 14 stores in 2016 which was an immensely successful
year in its own right,” he added. When asked what has been the driving force behind this, Patrick commented: “Much of the success is down to reinvestment and marketing. This year, our independent retailers added a further 14,000 square feet to their premises and two new-build forecourts are on schedule to open in the first quarter of 2018.” Indeed, in September Henderson Group opened the latest phase of its multi-million redevelopment at its