Ascona Group unveils first forecourt converted to Nisa store

Forecourt retailer Ascona Group has unveiled their first Nisa Local store fascia as plans to convert all their sites to the brand get underway.

The store in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, is the first in the group’s estate to take on the new signage along with the Evolution store format.

Over the past five months, 32 of the forecourt specialist’s sites have transitioned over to Nisa, with another five to follow after signing a supply deal with Nisa Retail earlier this year.

Each new store will now stock an improved range including the addition of a wide Co-op own brand offer across all categories.

Stores will vary in size from 800 sq.ft. to around 3,000 sq.ft. located across the country including the Midlands, the South-East, Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Cumbria, and stores near the head office in Pembrokeshire.

Retail trading director at Ascona, Paul Stoddart, said: “We are very pleased with how the first phase of the transition has gone.

“Moving to a new supplier during the lockdown period was a challenging time, however it has given the stores the opportunity to provide customers a wider choice as they stayed local for their shopping needs.

“Customers have commented on the extended ranges now available in store and the addition of the Co-op lines has also been well received.

“The next phase will see the Nisa branding going up across the rest of the estate and if Nuneaton is anything to go by, we will have a fantastic looking group of stores.”

Head of Nisa key accounts, Victoria Lockie said: “We’re delighted with the progress that has been made with the transition of the supply to the Ascona Group stores.

“It’s been a really impressive team effort by everyone at Nisa, working closely with the team at Ascona to make the move as smooth as possible and I am absolutely confident their customers will enjoy the expanded new range now available to them.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the portfolio of stores take on the Nisa fascia and format and to supporting them every step of the way.”