Inch’s Cider rethink helps Nisa retailers make the most of outdoor space

Inch’s Cider has partnered with Nisa and its Make a Difference Locally (MADL) charity, to collaborate with three stores across the UK. Each store has had their very own exterior plant makeover to surprise and delight the local communities with a brand-new look and green space.

With convenience stores at the heart of the community, the project celebrates retailers who are integral to their area by adding value to their store, as well as enhancing their outdoor space.. Three lucky Nisa stores in Dallam, Ely and Wigan, who all have a strong connection to their community, have been selected for the makeover opportunity with all the transformations completed this month.

“We know how important stores are to local communities and we want to bring more green space to urban areas," said Muriel Boelen, Inch’s Cider Marketing Manager. "So, by working in partnership with Nisa’s Make a Difference Locally we are able to support retailers beyond just product and give back to them with a green space that will benefit their whole community. We’ve found that all the chosen retailers have been really receptive to their transformations, and we hope to inspire other retailers with ways in which they can optimise their outdoor space and promote the importance of looking after the local environment.”

Each store has been provided with a vibrant outdoor area, complete with Inch’s Cider planters that have built-in benches to provide shoppers with an area to sit and relax. Each planter is also packed full of colourful plants, as well as apple trees – a nod to the Inch’s brand. All of the plants have been specially selected to be low maintenance and suitable for the light level and exposure of each store, allowing busy retailers to achieve maximum impact, for minimum time and effort. Each store owner has been provided with a detailed plant-care guide, to help them look after the plants and ensure they have all the necessary information to keep their plants looking healthier for longer.

Mike Sohal from Nisa, Dallam, one of the stores to receive the community garden makeover, commented: “It’s such a great feeling to be able to help and support wherever and in whichever way you can, and the community garden has been a small way for us to give back to our shoppers. The makeover has been warmly received by customers and has brought a smile to many people’s faces. We even had one customer ask if he could look after an apple tree from one of the planters!”

Make a Difference Locally is a charity that Nisa set up to help independently run stores add value to and further cement their position within their local communities. Created in 2008, Make a Difference Locally allows stores to nominate charities or good causes that are local to them to receive a specific donation.

“We are delighted to partner with Inch’s on this project and truly believe that these makeovers will make a difference locally," added Kate Carroll, MADL's Head of Charity & Community. "As we move into Autumn, we are looking forward to seeing these outdoor spaces thrive and develop. We always love to see what a difference our Nisa partners can make to their communities, and we are proud to support them through MADL.”