All three stores were nominated for Neighbourhood Retailer Awards in their respective categories, with McCool’s Centra Ballymena taking the Neighbourhood Store of the Year (Category 3) title.

The Ballymena store was the catalyst for the family’s involvement in retail when Patrick McCool started the business in 1973, having bought the site from BP. Starting out as a petrol station, constant reinvestment has steadily grown the business to the impressive store it is today.

Now boasting over 200 staff across their three stores, owner Peter McCool says they are not resting on their laurels and have plans in place for continued investment and consolidation.

• You can read the full story of McCool’s Centra Ballymena in the 2023 Neighbourhood Retailer Yearbook and Marketing Guide, which is coming soon – where Peter McCool tells us how their attention to detail, energy and enthusiasm have led to the development of stores that are “the envy of many”.

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