The Co-op Wholesale Story

Founded in 1977, Nisa’s mission is to be the partner of choice for retailers and wholesalers - over the years, Nisa has ensured the prosperity of thousands of retailers and with its renewed focus on the consumer now seeks to provide greater means to achieve success. Nisa has developed exponentially in the 40+ years since it was established.

In May 2018 the Co-op completed its acquisition of Nisa Retail Limited. The wholesale operation will provide an environment in which independent retailers can flourish. It brings enhanced buying capability, allowing Nisa Partners to trade their businesses in the way they choose, backed by competitive prices and promotions with access to a deeper range including a wide selection of Co-op’s award-winning, high-quality own brand products across all categories.

With Nisa, retailers have the option to operate under a symbol fascia; Nisa Local or Nisa Extra, or dual branded, whereby a Nisa partner can maintain their own identity whilst also benefiting from the strength of the Nisa brand. Alternatively, a retailer can trade under their own independent fascia.

Through its latest Evolution store format, Nisa offers flexibility to retailers with a more modular development format which accommodates the individual demographic and shopping missions of each store. The concept considers emerging trends to create a store design that demonstrates to retailers how best to capture additional footfall and spend while setting themselves apart from the competition. The Evolution format has seen great success, with retailers on average achieving a 12 per cent uplift in sales since conversion.

Nisa provides a complete support package which comprises a strong retail focused team, an enhanced category management system, a bespoke staff training facility and comprehensive marketing package incorporating social media and PR support, leaflets, point of sale material, a personalised Nisa FM radio network and national advertising.

Furthermore, a full Nisa Epos solution is available along with access to Nisa’s award winning OCS platform which offers a multitude of services including ordering, deals, presells, planograms, in store POS generation plus full order, delivery and invoice tracking. Mobile applications also allow online ordering, delivery tracking, deals and product catalogue management.

Nisa’s flexible model provides its retailers with an unbeatable breadth of range of more than 13,000 SKUs, as well as access to more than 2,400 Co-op own brand products across all categories, providing a recognised, quality brand for shoppers and good margins for retailers. This is all delivered by Nisa’s industry leading supply chain which retailers can trust with an impressive 99.9% of deliveries made on the day and 95% successfully made on time.

A comprehensive support structure is provided from a strong field team including retail development managers and regional retail managers as well as fresh food development managers, who encourage retailers to make the most of this important category, and store development managers who help partners develop their stores and proposition.

Nisa recognises the importance of community involvement, and its retailers can support good causes in their local area through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity, which has raised more than £11 million to charities and good causes throughout the UK since its formation in 2008.

In May 2018 the Co-op completed its acquisition of Nisa Retail Limited, joining together two strong brands to begin an exciting journey together. Nisa Partners still have the freedom to do what they do best - run independent convenience stores, but we believe that, together, we can go from strength to strength, serving customers up and down the country and creating real value for our communities.