Nisa ‘Reinventing’ Local Format For Modern-Day Consumer

Namnews, 24th February 2022

Nisa is working on an overhaul of its Local format that will see a greater focus on sustainability, ranging, and merchandising to meet the needs of today’s shopper. The move also aims to make the format more “operationally efficient” for retailers.

Speaking to trade publication The Grocer, the symbol group’s head of format Darren May said: “We’re reinventing the Nisa Local format and its proposition to drive the modern-day consumer.”

Key changes include product refill stations becoming an “integral part” of the store layout.

Co-op own-label ranges will also be enhanced by making better use of planograms and product placement. May is quoted as saying: “It’s about how we can use signage and display the product to emphasise these credentials. It’s a different way of utilising the planograms than we’ve ever done before and displaying the brand so it doesn’t just sit with the core range, it enhances it far more.”

May told The Grocer that Nisa is also looking to bring a “new twist” to its food-to-go offer, by introducing a proposition that isn’t currently in the convenience market. He revealed that the business is working with suppliers to see what the solution would look like and pointed to Mexican food being “very up and coming”.

Meanwhile, the new store format aims to help retailers reduce their costs in light of the inflationary pressures. This includes reducing the number of staff needed on site.

The final store design is expected to be unveiled at Nisa’s Expo event in September. It will also show what stores that meet the criterion could look like under the new HFSS restrictions that are due to come into force in October.

NAM Implications:

• Always better to partner with these initiatives…
• …rather than follow pro-active rivals.
• Worth a try?