Nisa, the wholesale and independent retail specialist, has reported a significant increase in forecourt sales since 2019, with average weekly sales improving by over 23%. During the same period, 237 forecourt stores have chosen to join Nisa’s estate, with 73 joining in 2023. As a result, the total number of Nisa forecourt stores in the UK now stands at nearly 400.
In 2020, Nisa signed a deal with forecourt operator Ascona Group, which led to the supply of grocery products and the Co-op own-label range to all 62 of the group’s sites. Ascona Group, a top 10 UK independent forecourt operator and one of The Sunday Times’ 100 fastest-growing businesses, recently reopened Machynlleth Service Station in North Wales after a transformative £3m redevelopment.
Darren Briggs, chief executive of Ascona Group, emphasized the importance of providing exceptional roadside retail destinations to customers and local communities. He expressed that partnering with operators like Nisa enables Ascona Group to achieve this goal effectively. Briggs praised the long-standing relationship between Ascona and Nisa, highlighting that all 62 forecourts across the country are supplied with grocery and Co-op branded products by Nisa.
Furthermore, Nisa and MPK Garages agreed on a deal that resulted in 28 co-branded Pop-In Daily / Nisa forecourt sites joining the symbol group. This includes former Morrisons Daily stores across England, located in areas such as Bristol, Worcestershire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire. Ranging in size from 1,000 sqft to 3,000 sqft, these stores primarily focus on food-to-go and chilled offerings. The new retail range includes an expanded Co-op own brand offer across all categories.
Andrew Kirkland, retail controller at MPK Garages, expressed delight in working with the Nisa team while transitioning their stores to the new dual-branded fascia. He highlighted the solid growth platform provided by the Nisa & Co-op offering, as it enables them to secure more market share in local communities.
Victoria Lockie, head of retail at Nisa, recognized the tremendous and encouraging growth observed in their forecourt stores. She attributed this success to the hard work of Nisa’s teams alongside the forecourt operators in offering the best products and services. Many forecourt operators have reported substantial sales increases after partnering with Nisa. Lockie credited the attractiveness of the Co-op own brand, emphasizing Nisa’s commitment to listening to retailers and making ongoing improvements.
Overall, Nisa’s focus on building strong relationships with forecourt operators and offering high-quality products and services has contributed to the impressive growth of their forecourt stores. As they continue to prioritize improvement and collaboration, the future looks promising for Nisa and its partners in the retail industry.