This month will see Nisa clock up 500 new stores in 2020.
The convenience retail specialist said it “signals the great faith” it is held in by independent shopkeepers and wholesalers, in a year of grave uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And it comes as a new store format is launched as part of a strategy to accelerate forecourt recruitment further, as a solution for outlets under 1,000 sq ft, while a new support package offering expertise to entrepreneurial retailers is also added to the basket.
Nisa’s Scunthorpe-headquartered team adapted to the circumstances at a time other groups had said they were unable to welcome new business.
Several scale partners have been added, including Touts, Highland Retail and Ascona Group.
Nisa sales director, Steve Leach, said: “Over the course of this year, in difficult circumstances, the recruitment team here at Nisa has evolved magnificently to a virtual recruitment model which has been fruitful and very supportive to prospective Nisa partners. “We’ve embraced the digital platforms available to us and have ramped up our social media activity to ensure we’re very visible and clear on why Nisa is the partner of choice for independent retailers and wholesalers.”
The new Nisa Express store format has been officially unveiled at the 2020 virtual Nisa Expo, taking place this week, with the latest technology and contemporary design providing “a first-class shopping experience for the consumer”, with three options available.
Covering food centric, forecourt and essentials, each design differs to meet the demands of the shopper with look and range tailored for the specific market.
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Head of format at Nisa, Darren May, said: “Our new Nisa Express format is designed to meet the needs of Nisa partners who operate smaller stores but who want to ensure their business is contemporary, has the right look and feel and provides their customers with the best shopping environment.
“Importantly, we want to ensure all partners have access to a Nisa fascia and format that complements their individual offering and location and we believe this is achievable with the Nisa Express format.”
A Fresh Thinking proposition has also been launched to help partners grow their businesses.
It will provide retailers with expert insights and tailored support, bolstering the “entrepreneurial spirit of independent retailers looking to drive growth in these challenging times”.
Partners will receive guidance and advice on how best to stock their stores across frozen, fruit/veg, fresh meat, ready meals, soft drinks, alcohol and non-food, to better equip them for the future.
As part of this concept, parent company Co-op have recommended an own-brand range for Nisa partners to meet the core convenience needs of its shoppers in a changing economic climate. The Co-op essentials recommended range of 500 products aims to cater for customers looking for a low-price alternative to branded products, whilst bringing greater benefit to the retailer.
John McNeil, chief operating officer at Nisa said: “海角视频 corner shops and independent retailers have seen a surge in sales during Coronavirus and we will continue to support our partners through this difficult period with Fresh Thinking at the heart of everything we do.
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“We know Co-op own brand is already proving a real success for our partners and this
recommended range will provide an enhanced value proposition for their customers. We have identified the own-brand products shoppers expect to see in a convenience store and made them available at great prices, so they can shop conveniently whilst knowing it’s still 100 per cent British meat, free-range eggs and Fairtrade.”
It comes as the bespoke training facility, Retail Academy, has also been overhauled, providing the latest information on practices, legislation and other 'must-knows' as part of the Nisa membership.