Peter McBride, the owner of the McBride Group, oversees the operation of 16 Spar stores in counties Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Armagh, offering valuable employment opportunities to over 550 individuals from the local communities and surrounding areas.
Reflecting on the past 35 years, McBride acknowledges that it is challenging to pinpoint a single highlight. However, he emphasizes the profound importance of community to himself and his family. As the proprietor of a local store, he recognizes that the store serves as the heart of the local community, and he credits his dedicated team for the group’s enduring success over the years.
At the core of the McBride Group’s values is the commitment to giving back. Every store places a significant emphasis on nurturing their neighborhoods by supporting local community groups and charities. Additionally, they sponsor local sports teams, organize community litter pick-ups, provide home deliveries for vulnerable individuals, make donations to food banks, and have installed defibrillators in several stores. In the past 12 months alone, the group has generously donated over £41,500 towards various local initiatives.
Furthermore, in collaboration with its customers, the McBride Group has successfully raised an astounding £133,730 for Spar NI’s charity partner, Marie Curie NI, since their partnership commenced in 2017.
Recently, the store conducted a remarkable fundraising event called Spar NI’s Blooming Great Summer, which generated £10,000 in funds for the charity Marie Curie.
On the approach to his 35th year in the industry, McBride made a significant investment of £3.5 million to expand his retail business, the McBride Group. This expansion involved the addition of three new stores: Spar Glenwood in Irvinestown, and Strabane stores Spar Castletown and Spar Urney Road. In addition, an investment of £1.5 million was made to refurbish and extend two existing stores, ensuring a wide selection of top-quality products and services available to shoppers across all Group’s stores.
McBride’s ambitious plans entail further investment towards the improvement of his store estate. This includes complete knock-down-and-rebuild projects, store extensions, and comprehensive refurbishments, all aimed at providing the best standards possible for his esteemed customers.
Since 1988, McBride has been effectively partnered with the Henderson Group, contributing significantly to the retail industry in Northern Ireland. As the vice chair of the Spar Ulster Guild, he represents independent Spar retailers and also represents the Ulster Guild on the Spar UK Guild Committee. Furthermore, he serves on the board of the International Spar Guild of retailers.
Beyond his contributions to the retail sector, McBride’s influence extends to the community and the economy. Currently serving as the president of Retail NI, he was recently honored with an MBE by King Charles III in the New Year Honors List 2023. The award, acknowledging his services to the economy and the community in Co. Tyrone, further solidifies McBride’s dedication and commitment.
To commemorate the milestone of 35 years in business, all stores under the McBride Group conducted a £35 voucher giveaway each day during the anniversary week. Additionally, at Spar Mullaghmore, McBride’s inaugural store that opened 35 years ago, a range of prizes were offered, including a 43-inch TV and an overnight stay with afternoon tea for two at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast.
Martin Agnew, joint managing director of the Henderson Group, commends McBride’s leadership in the Northern Irish retail industry, acknowledging his unwavering loyalty and dedication to the local communities. Agnew further highlights McBride’s ability to inspire his store teams to go above and beyond in meeting the needs of shoppers and creating a hub for the entire community.
