Family run ViVO store has been an essential part of the community for 50 years

ADVERTORIAL

THE locally owned and run ViVO Essentials store in the County Tyrone village of Donemana, was opened in April 1973 by Jackie and Jean McGarrigle, who served the village of Donemana for 40 years, before passing the reigns to their daughter Wendy and her husband David, who have operated the store for the past 10 years.

Since opening, the family have strived to bring an extensive range of products and services to their local community and over the years the store has undergone a number of significant refurbishments, expanding the store and growing the offering for local shoppers.

The hard work from the family have enabled the store to bring an unmatched offering to the local area with a wide range of locally sourced produce, an expansive range of fresh groceries, a coffee offering and a wide selection of products from O’Kane’s butchers.

The store’s impact on the community goes beyond their impressive offering, supporting local sports clubs with annual donations.

Wendy, David and their team of loyal staff from the local area, always take the time to get to know their shoppers by name, following in Wendy’s parents’ footsteps and continuing to make their store a hub within the local community.

Their dedication to their shoppers and their local community in Donemana has been recognised as they were shortlisted for Small Retailer of the Year at the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, two years in a row in 2018 and 2019.

To commemorate the significant 50-year milestone, the store is planning a celebration for their team and shoppers on Monday, May 29.

Shoppers are invited to enjoy an instore fun day with tea, coffee and sweet treats, an exciting free raffle, face painting, and a number of prizes to be won throughout the day as well as a 50p sale on selected items to mark their successful 50 years.

Wendy commented, “We’re so proud that our family store has been serving our Donemana community for 50 years.

"My parents created an inviting store in which shoppers are known by name and receive a warm welcome every time they shop, so it was important for myself and David to carry this on.

“We want to thank our brilliant team for their dedication and hard work and a big thank you to our shoppers.

"We love serving this community and look forward to many more years doing so”.