Symbol group sets out ambitions as revamped Scottish outlet opens
THE owners of a newly refitted Nisa Local store in Scotland want it to become a community attraction.
The Glasgow shop’s reopening after nine months of closure comes as bosses for the wholesale and independent retail specialist unveiled plans to open a further 400 outlets this year.
The ambitious expansion plan follows hot on the heels of a successful 2022 that saw Nisa open 473 new stores.
A strong start to 2023 has already seen 130 shops signing up to the symbol group. Recruitment of wholesale partners, which includes rapidly expanding Greens Retail, has almost doubled in the same period year on year.
Nisa claims this is a testament to its “leading availability levels, competitive prices and access to the award-winning Co-op own-brand range”.
And while the Greens stores will operate under their own branding, almost 900 shops have joined the Nisa fascia group in the last two years.
In April, Nisa announced a simplified version of its Fresh Rewards rebate scheme, with qualifying retailers pocketing on average £2,300 cash back per rebate period.
Nisa currently supplies 2,480 Nisa fascia/independent fascia retail stores and boss Peter Batt said: “The sustained growth in recruitment is not only down to the brilliant team at Nisa but also the strength of Nisa’s proposition for independent retailers.”
Head of retail Victoria Lockie added: “We’re passionate about being the partner of choice for retailers and wholesalers, driving mutual success and benefits.
“We strive to be the best we can for all our partners and we look forward to welcoming everyone joining Nisa.”
Meanwhile, the revamped Nisa Local store on Yoker Mill Road, Glasgow, offers a vast range of services.
These include fresh and frozen groceries, a Post Office, a dessert parlour, a Costa Coffee machine and a hot food counter serving sandwiches, burgers, freshly hand-made samosas and chips.
Carol Monaghan, MP for Glasgow North-West, cut the ribbon to officially open the unit at the end of April.
Co-owner Arbaaz Hayat said: “The vision was to be a one-stop point for the community and to provide something exciting. We wanted to give the community options that aren’t on offer elsewhere and make it a bit of an attraction.
“I think it’s important to have somewhere where, even if you come in feeling not so great, you can leave feeling bright and vibrant.”
Matthew Howie, Nisa retail development manager, said: “The main difference that this store brings to the community is a huge selection in comparison to what was here before, as well as good value.
“This store is all about community and I’m looking forward to seeing the difference it can make using Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity.”
