Setting sights on ambitious targets
The 2024 Store Manager of the Year winner has a wealth of experience behind him, building up an impressive CV across a range of stores. John Fox, store manager of EUROSPAR Greencastle Street Kilkeel, tells NR of the significance of winning the award.
Recognised for his drive and determination by judges, John Fox was praised for working tirelessly to achieve concrete goals, partnering closely with his team to deliver exceptional results.
Evidence of this can be seen throughout the County Down store, which is completing an extensive expansion and redevelopment, with John’s commitment to improving the offering the store provides to its customers and consideration for consumer demands all having been taken into account in the process.
Judges said resting on his laurels was not in John’s vocabulary, with his sights set on ambitious targets to take the store to new heights. Overseeing the redevelopment at the store, John has been central to ensuring that feedback from customers helps form the basis of improvements.
Ahead of the works beginning last September, John and the team asked customers for their input and feedback on what they wanted in the store, what could be done better and what was being pushed too much.
“Customers were asking for our own meals, more parking, more offering of fresh foods and an in-store bakery,” said John.
“We have launched our own in-store production kitchen, the eighth in-store one for Henderson’s.
“We have put so much into it and seeing it being recognised now is very rewarding and a great boost to know you’re getting it right.”
Describing his award win as “fantastic”, John said it was a special night catching up with many familiar faces within the industry here.
“You cannot put into words what it’s like to win when you are there. When my name was called out in the shortlist, there were so many cheers, I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“When my name was called out as the winner, I was just completely surprised, it was wonderful. The whole night was brilliant.”
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH JOHN FOX IN THE MAY ISSUE OF NR HERE
