2 minute read
Symbol Groups
by 55 North
NISA RETAIL
Nisa continues successful recruitment drive
More than 120 Nisa symbol stores have launched so far in 2021.
Nisa Retail has reported further strong store recruitment, with 401 stores signed up to in the 35 weeks to September 2021.
June was the strongest month for store recruitment, followed by March and January, respectively. Greater London saw the most sign-ups geographically, Nisa revealed.
It said that of the 401 new stores signed up this year, 128 have already converted to Nisa’s latest Evolution format.
In addition, more than 120 Nisa symbol stores have been launched so far in 2021, including 14 former Co-ops, compared to 57 symbol stores in the same period last year.
Steve Leach, Sales Director at Nisa, commented: “The sustained growth in new partners and stores is testament not only to the brilliant team at Nisa, who have gone above and beyond during the past 18 months in continually challenging circumstances, but to the strength of Nisa’s proposition for independent retailers.”
Meanwhile, Nisa has created a role within its retail team structure to ensure “no opportunity is missed” to help drive sales for retailers. The trials manager is responsible for instigating new ideas among retailers, ensuring opportunities are tested, and rolled out efficiently to allow other partners to benefit.
SPAR
Ajay Odedra switches to Spar
His Essex-based store has improved its food-to-go offer and added Blakemore’s County Bridge meat range.
Independent retailer Ajay Odedra has moved his Simply Fresh-supplied store in Boreham, Essex, to Spar, with AF Blakemore as his delivered wholesaler. The move follows the closure of Sainsbury’s wholesale division and the ending of its partnership with Simply Fresh.
Ajay said: “I worked with Spar and AF Blakemore previously so I knew I could rely on their systems and processes.
“The switchover was quick and efficient with supply being switched on within a week. I am looking forward to working with the team at AF Blakemore again.”
The store has added an improved food-to-go offer and Blakemore’s own County Bridge meat range.
Stuart Ware, New Business Manager at Blakemore Trade Partners, said: “We are very happy to welcome Ajay and his team into Spar and we look forward to a long-lasting working relationship.”
More than 60 stores supplied by AF Blakemore have moved across to Spar this year and another 80 stores are due to join within the next six months.
Spar mince pies voted best in UK
Spar’s own-label Luxury All Butter Mince Pies have been voted the ‘Best Classic Mince Pie’ for the second year in a row in the BBC Good Food Christmas Taste Awards.
The festive treats were also joint winner in the ‘Best Classic Mince Pie’ category in the olive magazine Christmas supermarket awards 2021.
Myles Mersh, Spar UK Brand Manager, said: “This year our own label Spar Luxury All Butter Mince Pie is a multi-award winner, winning for two consecutive years ‘Best Classic Mince Pie’ in the BBC Good Food Christmas Taste Awards and for the first time joint winner of the ‘Best Classic Mince Pie’ category in the olive Christmas supermarket awards. This cements Spar as the go-to retailer for mince pies this year, the foremost Christmas treat.”
Spar will support the award wins on pack, with POS in store, and on social media.
