Henderson Retail Ltd – the privately owned family business based in Mallusk – has acquired Hunters of Markethill from the Creighton Group, who took ownership of the premises just four years ago in 2022.
The transaction will complete on May 5, and the store will become part of the Henderson Retail portfolio.
The company plans 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.
In the last decade the supermarket has changed hands a number of times. The South Belfast-based Creighton family acquired the premises in August 2022.
It is the second time the store will have been under the ownership of the Henderson Group.
The supermarket – which had been owned by the Hunter family in Markethill since 1920 – was sold in 2019 to the Mallusk-based Henderson Group, following the retirement of Richard Hunter.
Commenting on the acquisition, Mark McCammond, Managing Director at Henderson Retail Ltd, said: “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.
“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 commented: “On behalf of the Creighton Group 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.”
