Nisa has recruited over 500 stores in the last 12 months, a 40% like-for-like increase in the year to date.
It put this growth down to increasing availability levels – the highest recorded in a number of years –improvements to delivery services including the introduction of next day delivery, and continued investment in Nisa’s Evolution EPoS system and its Evolution store format, which has delivered an average 12% uplift in sales on conversion.
Nisa said the rollout of Co-op own brand products over the past year had been “a major game changer” for its wholesale business, accounting for around £2.5m in sales per week. Alignment with the Co-op’s promotions have also driven sales for Nisa retailers.
Commenting on the figures, Nisa’s Sales Director Steve Leach said: “Last year was a very good year for Nisa, recruitment-wise, so it is compelling evidence of the strength of Nisa’s offer that we have beaten last year’s figures so comprehensively. It was a strategic decision of the business to change its approach to recruitment this year and I’m proud of the team and the part they’ve played in delivering that strategy.”
Chris Moore, New Business Channel Controller for Nisa, added: “As part of the Co-op family, our partners have access to a fantastic range coupled with industry-leading service and support. We continue to invest in our support teams and new store formats to help our partners operate more profitably. While the introduction of Co-op own brand into the Nisa supply chain has been a big draw for new partners.”
Nisa’s growth strategy for 2020 will focus on accelerating recruitment. Retailers will still have the option to join as a symbol or independent fascia business, or via the Co-op franchise model or the soon-to-be-launched business development partnership scheme, which will provide independent retailers with an alternative way of working with Nisa.
