Derry store manager triumphs at prestigious Northern Ireland retail awards

James Kelly, Store Manager at Lynch’s Eurospar on Trench Road, has officially been named Store Manager of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Neighbourhood Retailer Awards.

The announcement was made at a gala event in Belfast, marking the 30th anniversary of Northern Ireland’s premier awards programme for the independent retail industry.

The highly coveted awards attracted over 500 entries from across the region.

Finalists were subjected to a rigorous, multi-stage judging process that included unannounced mystery shopping assessments, comprehensive written submissions, and intensive panel interviews.

The independent judging panel praised Kelly as a truly exemplary leader who successfully balanced commercial growth with a deep commitment to his staff and the surrounding community.

In their official citation, the judges highlighted his outstanding leadership, business performance, commitment to innovation, and strong engagement with both his team and the local community.

The annual Neighbourhood Retailer Awards remain the definitive benchmark for excellence in Northern Ireland’s retail sector, celebrating the resilience, innovation, and community focus of local independent grocers and forecourt operators.