‘End of an era’ as JC Stewarts changes hands

A retailing dynasty is at an end in Magherafelt after leading shop-owner Paul Stewart announced his landmark store has been sold to new owners.

Mr Stewart is the family’s fourth generation behind the award-winning JC Stewarts grocery store, which only last week was crowned Northern Ireland’s Neighbourhood Store of the Year for premises over 7,000 square feet.

A popular community figure in the Magherafelt area, and president of Northern Ireland’s Independent Retail Trade Association for 15 years, Paul said the decision to sell the business had “been a hard one”.

“JCs has been trading for four generations and has just had one of its best years’ results,” he said.

“I have been in the grocery business all my working life – over 40 years – and enjoy it immensely.  Our relationship with staff, customers and suppliers is special.”

The huge store, famed for its innovative use of local artisan suppliers, was acquired by DSP Supermarkets, which is owned by the Kelly family. Its retail businesses currently employ some 215 people at eight stores in the Mid Ulster area, operated under the Henderson Group’s franchises of Eurospar, Spar, Vivo and Vivoxtra.

JC Stewarts was first opened in 1894 by Paul’s great-grandfather James Craig Stewart, and now stretches to some 14,000 square feet.

“Retailing needs energy and fresh thinking on a constant basis,” Mr Stewart added. “And that is what Kellys, together with the Henderson Group, can bring to JC Stewart.”

Under the agreement, the store will continue to trade under the JC Stewart name and offer its signature ‘Market’ meals and fresh food.

The 100-strong workforce will also transfer to the new owners.

Chief executive of NIIRTA, Glyn Roberts, said the announcement was “sad news”.

“JC Stewart is an independent retailer of the first division in terms of choice, quality and customer service,” he said.

“As president of NIIRTA over the past 15 years, Paul has made a huge contribution to our growth as a business organisation and indeed the entire independent retail sector in Northern Ireland.”

New owner Pearce Kelly said the firm would continue to make local commitments and investments. “We are very excited about this acquisition,” he said.

Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director at the Henderson Group said: “The Stewarts have built a fantastic business, and also being family-run, the group admires the ideals and ethos already established throughout the business, the staff, and wider community.”