Spar retailers across the UK have been recognised with multiple honours at the Convenience Awards 2026, including the industry’s top accolade, as Spar Malone Road in Co. Antrim was crowned Convenience Retailer of the Year.
The Belfast store also secured the Large Convenience Store of the Year title, while Spar retailers and colleagues were recognised across a range of categories celebrating excellence in store development, food-to-go innovation, customer service and community engagement.
In addition to the individual store successes, Spar was also named Britain’s Favourite Convenience Symbol Group and Britain’s Favourite Convenience Store Group, based on Lumina Intelligence shopper research highlighting improvements in satisfaction scores, particularly in ‘prices’ and ‘ease of shop’.
Michael Fletcher, Spar UK managing director, said: “The Convenience Awards 2026 are a fantastic recognition of the dedication and ambition of our Spar and EUROSpar retailers and store teams across the UK. To see Spar Malone Road named Convenience Retailer of the Year is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the team’s commitment to delivering an outstanding store for their community.
“We are also incredibly proud to see so many Spar stores and colleagues recognised across multiple categories, from new store development and food-to-go innovation to exceptional customer service. Being named Britain’s Favourite Convenience Symbol Group and Britain’s Favourite Convenience Store Group is a powerful endorsement from shoppers and reflects the continued investment our retailers are making in their stores, their teams and their local communities.
“Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists who represent the very best of convenience retailing.”
Judges praised Spar Malone Road for its strong performance and community focus. The store achieved a 14% like-for-like sales increase on the previous year and a 4% rise in basket spend, creating a true one-stop shop that caters for both on-the-go and top-up shopping missions. Alongside a comprehensive grocery range, the store also features an in-store butchery department, bakery and an extensive food-to-go offer.
The judges also recognised Spar Malone Road’s strong community engagement, highlighting the store’s involvement with local schools, youth groups, churches and charitable organisations.
Elsewhere, Spar Parkfoot in Kent was named Store Team of the Year, with judges commending a team that consistently delivers service that goes beyond the transaction, taking time to understand customer needs and build lasting relationships with shoppers.
Spar Nafferton in East Riding of Yorkshire took the New Store of the Year award, impressing judges with its modern retail offer, which includes a Graham Eyes butchers, Clayton Park deli and Cheeky Coffee machine, alongside a strong range of locally sourced products.
Spar Ulceby Cross in Lincolnshire was recognised as Food to Go Store of the Year, with the introduction of the Tom’s Kitchen concept transforming food-to-go into a central feature of the store, complemented by seating for up to 30 customers.
Individual recognition also went to Linzi Moore of EUROSpar Cullybackey, who was named Sales Colleague of the Year. Moore, who has worked at the store for 28 years, was praised by judges for her unwavering patience and knowledge, having progressed from customer advisor to team leader and now loss prevention co-ordinator.
Convenience Store editor Aidan Fortune praised the achievements of the winners and finalists. “The sector is operating in an incredibly tough trading environment and to see businesses go above and beyo
