Lifetime Achievement honour for retail stalwart Charlie Hamilton
It was a night to remember for County Tyrone retailer, Charlie Hamilton at the 2024 Neighbourhood Retailer Awards
The entrepreneur, who marked 45 years in business this year, was the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, and was presented with this prestigious industry award at the gala awards night held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast.
An entrepreneur who has grown his business, now the proud owner of three stores in County Tyrone, Charlie made his first venture into the industry in 1979, leaving his profession as a civil servant. Along with his wife, Ruth, they took on their first shop in Newtownstewart.
Working seven days a week, they put their hearts and souls into building up the business, using their own experiences to drive their ambition for the shop.
Breaking new ground in retail, the Newtownstewart store was the first convenience store in Northern Ireland to have automatic doors – a revolutionary step and one which was of huge significance to his customers.
Innovation and revolution are the name of the game in retail, and Charlie was the first retailer in County Tyrone to sell hot food in the supermarket – one of only five retailers across Northern Ireland to do so.
He was also the first person to do a joint investment with Coca-Cola to introduce a dairy cabinet style refrigerator for soft drinks, something that was really revolutionary at the time.
This store was also one of the first stores in Northern Ireland to carry the SPAR ‘8 to late’ branding, with Charlie proud to say he was already providing those opening hours for customers with their forecourt.
Having started out with just one full-time member of staff and two part-time, the Newtownstewart store now boasts 35 staff all from the local area, something Charlie is proud of thanks to his belief in reinvesting in the local community, supporting local charities and community events and regular fundraising for Marie Curie.
This investment in local saw the Hamiltons establish two further shops in County Tyrone, opening their Castlederg shop in 1995 and another in Omagh in 1998. Charlie and Ruth have also guided their children into business as well, with son David starting his own shop in Enniskillen in 2000 and growing his business to three stores, as well as having an interest in farming.
Following daughter Louise’s time at university, she bought Joe’s Chippy in Sion Mills and has been in business for 15 years, while son John spent 10 years in Australia and has now settled back home and is starting to build up a property business and daughter Alison works in the family business now too, and is a partner in the Newtownstewart store.
At this year’s NR Awards ceremony, Charlie was eager to thank his wife, Ruth for all her support, stating his achievements today are down to her. One source of particular pride to Charlie is his family, and together with his wife, Ruth they have guided their children into business as well, with Charlie having spoken of his pride in them working hard and achieving what they have on their own merit.
2024 has been a significant year for Charlie, as he marked his 45th year in business, and despite the changes and developments within the retail industry, Charlie has remained true to his core business, which is award-winning fresh food. Indeed, his SPAR Castlederg store took home the Fresh Food Store of the Year at last year’s NR Awards.
Judges last year praised the Castlederg store for its “huge range of fresh food” along with its range of with “fresh local meat and vegetables to bakery, prepared meals, salads and sauces – the quality and value was outstanding”.
Charlie was a previous Overall Retailer of the Year winner and has established himself as a well-respected and popular businessman, not just in County Tyrone, but across Northern Ireland, building a worthy reputation.
MD of Penton Publications, Bill Penton said he was thrilled to award Charlie with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.
“With a long-standing background in retail, which has seen him introduce ground-breaking innovations in the industry, he is an entrepreneur who has gone from strength to strength over the last 45 years,” said Bill.
“A well-respected and popular businessman known right across Northern Ireland, he is a truly deserved recipient of this prestigious accolade.”
This year’s award was sponsored by Maxol, and Charlie was presented with his award on the night by Brian Donaldson, Maxol Group CEO.
Following the awards night, Charlie told NR that it was an honour to be recognised for his achievements in the Northern Ireland grocery industry.
“You work every day and you enter different competitions, but to win one you did not enter, makes it extra special,” said Charlie.
“When our customers found out, they were delighted and all came in to the shop to congratulate me.
“We are nearly 46 years dealing with people every day, especially in Newtownstewart, it’s all about community. People remember the day we opened and those people are still supporting us every day.
“Customer support has to be earned and maintained, and it’s wonderful to have such support.”
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON CHARLIE HAMILTON IN THE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER, CLICK HERE
