Family-run Nisa store gets makeover for 25th anniversary

A family-run Nisa store is marking its 25th birthday with a complete refurbishment, closing for three weeks to complete the transformation.

Based on High Street, North Berwick, the c-store first opened its doors in October 1995.

The overhaul has given a facelift to the exterior of the store with the entry point changed and automatic doors installed as well as full length windows to the front aspect introducing more natural light to the shop.

Meanwhile inside all the fixtures and fittings have been replaced with new flooring, lighting, refrigeration, checkouts and shelving.

Owner Manz Rasul, who has been a Nisa partner for more than 30 years, said: “We’ve created a light and airy space that makes the shop feel bigger and look so much more modern.

"Because of Covid we wanted our customers to feel comfortable when they’re shopping with us. We’ve made our new shelving slightly narrower to allow more room in the aisles for customers to pass one another and added an extra till point so shoppers won’t need to stand and queue for long.”

Mr Razul said customer loyalty, which has always been good, was superb during lockdown and the vital service provided by the store at the height of local restrictions also led to new customers.

“We traded really strongly through lockdown and sales went through the roof. It can be seasonal here because we’re in a seaside town but this year the Coronavirus has seen us incredibly busy.

“People were really impressed with how we handled the lockdown – we were the first to have hand sanitiser in the store and everyone seemed impressed with our proactive response.”

The re-fit has allowed for the chilled range to be expanded from seven bays to 14, the introduction of a small food to go section with a coffee machine and instore bakery as well as an extension to the alcohol range.

Additional Co-op own brand lines have also been included to the already strong range which is popular with shoppers and fits with the business ethics of Manz himself who has a keen focus on sustainability.

Products from local suppliers will also be introduced to the store over the coming months.

“Everything that we have done with the store has been done looking at it from a customer point of view, making it easier and better for them with an overall improved experience and range," added Mr Razul. "I really hope they like it.”