Morrison’s VivoXtra, Saintfield

Morrison’s VivoXtra, Saintfield

Built on the site of an old school in the village of Saintfeld, Morrison’s VivoXtra has made a name for itself since opening in late 2012.

Not only has it overcome the challenges of a new store opening just away from the main street but it has now successfully integrated into the village as a high quality convenience operation.

Manager Martin Smyth has worked for Tesco, Heathcotes and Henderson’s and now is heading up Sean Morrison’s store in Saintfield. Martin is very much a people person and is focused on his team and maintaining a high level of customer service.

The result is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in store for customers and staff alike and the locals have certainly come to enjoy the shopping experience.

Martin happened upon the job at Morrison’s after paying the store a visit whilst in Saintfield.

“I popped in to see the new store and spoke to a member of staff I knew. When I asked who the manager was, I was told there wasn’t one at that time so I put my name forward. That was on a Wednesday and, after meeting Sean, by the Friday I’d been offered the job!”

ViVo Xtra Morrison's Saintfield.
Morrison’s VivoXtra, Saintfield

After previously working for Heathcotes, Martin is happy to be managing an independent store once again where he is able to work with owner Sean to develop new ideas and help drive business.

The judges at the NR Awards 2013 said of Morrison’s VivoXtra : “An impressive store which has reinforced its ties to the community while providing customers with a state-of-the-art retail store. Warm and friendly staff and the strong fresh food offering make this store a winner.”

Sean, Martin and the team have worked hard to integrate into the local retail scene after coming up against opposition in the early days. The store is situated away from the main street with its own free parking facilities which allow customers easy access to the store and its facilities.

Morrison's VivoXtra
Homemade deli produce

Martin said: “Sean has a store in Ballynahinch so he has experience of the area and has done very well to help integrate the store into the local community. We have worked with churches and schools and we sponsor the local hockey club. We now see ourselves as an addition to the local retail offering.”

The store is a fresh modern and airy building with a great selection of fresh, ambient and dairy products. Ideal for a trolley shop its points of difference include a fantastic deli named ‘Food for Thought’ and an in-store butcher.

“Business is doing very well,” explained Martin. “In fact it’s grown above expectations  since its opening in 2012. The store is fresh and new, we do a lot of our own products on the deli and the butcher is doing great business.  We also source a lot of local produce to ensure that we have different lines than your average convenience store.”

The assistant manager Carolyn is very passionate in regards to stocking quality lines that you will not get in your average supermarket, including gluten free products and also items geared towards healthier eating.

“That said, we still offer value and promotions are something that you have to have in store,” he explained.

“Customers always want great service and ranges but also added value. We also offer home deliveries free of charge and now a have a van to help us with this. If people want a certain product or service, we will strive to get it for them and we are all committed to offering the best possible service.”

The wide range of products and customer service has attracted shoppers from further afield and Martin is seeing people from Carryduff, Lisburn, Ballygowan and Dromara in store.

Morrison's VivoXtra, Saintfield

“We can offer great deals and bespoke lines. Sean is generating some brilliant ideas and the staff are seeing them through to completion. Our deli ‘Food for Thought’ is a shining example. We’ve have honed the offering since we opened and have got it just right and it is now paying dividends.

“It’s the same with the butchery too. We have a dedicated butcher and have trained up a member of staff from the shop floor who now has new skills. We are also offering vouchers so if you spend £30 in the shop you get £5 to spend at the butcher counter. It’s the points of difference that is bringing in new business. “

Winning the NR Award was a real fillip for the team and Martin is quick to praise his staff.

“It was great achievement for me and the team. I have worked in lots of stores with great people but I have to say that here they are fantastic. If they weren’t as good as they are, the customers wouldn’t come in here, so the award was definitely their achievement!”

Looking ahead to 2014, Martin and the team are confident that the store will grow organically. Fun days and special promotions have helped to drive new business in the past year and there will be more to come in the months ahead.

“We’re certainly holding our own,” said Martin.

“It’s a lot of hard work but the staff do a great job and like all good independent stores, we are very flexible and will always strive to give the customers what they want.”

 Pictured top: Martin Smyth (middle) with Brian Gibson (left) and Nicola McConnell