Markethill store JD Hunter & Co acquired by Henderson Retail from Creighton Group
JD Hunter & Co has been acquired by Henderson Retail Ltd, from the Creighton Group.
The Markethill store – which was named Butcher of the Year at the 2025 Neighbourhood Retailer Awards – has been taken over by the privately-owned family business based in Mallusk, with the transaction completing on 5th May.
The store will become part of the Henderson Retail portfolio, with the company planning to invest £2.5 million into the store in the coming months.
Hunters of Markethill employs 128 staff members, who will remain with the business after the transfer of ownership.
Having been owned and managed by the Henderson Group from 2019, in the summer of 2022 it was announced that South Belfast retailer and family-run business, the Creighton Group had acquired the store, with the takeover happening during August that year.
A well-known and popular independent retailer, the group is headed by brother-and-sister team Niall Creighton and Gail Boyd and operates three award-winning stores – Creightons of Finaghy, Creightons of Blacks Road and Creightons of Balmoral.
With a business spanning generations, ‘Hunters’ has long established itself as a reliable retail business across the whole county, with customers travelling some miles to avail of its offers and services.
Mark McCammond, Managing Director at Henderson Retail Ltd, said the company plans to build on what is an already excellent proposition.
“Hunters of Markethill has a tremendous history and heritage of providing significant local employment, supporting local suppliers and giving fantastic value and service to local shoppers for over 100 years,” he said.
“Our plan is to further strengthen that reputation with a significant investment to revamp the store and enhance the shopper experience. We will work with local suppliers to further extend the range of products and services particularly in the area of fresh foods.
“Our commitment to growing our fresh food offering has been a major strategic goal over the last 15 years and we seek to build on the excellent proposition already on offer in the store.
“As an award-winning community retailer, we look forward to engaging with the local community and supporting local initiatives in the coming months and years.”
Niall Creighton and Gail Boyd from the Creighton Group said: “On behalf of the Creighton Group, we would like to thank all the staff, customers and the wider community of Markethill for all their support and take this opportunity to sincerely wish everyone, and Henderson Retail, every success in the future as they invest in and further modernise this wonderful store.”
