Residents of Evington, Leicester, have reason to celebrate as their beloved local convenience store reopens with Nisa under new ownership.
Karan Gorania and his wife, Nisha, have breathed new life into the store, marking their debut in independent retail.
The store, previously operating under Morrisons Daily and Spar fascia under former ownership, returned to Nisa earlier this year and officially reopened its doors in mid-November.
Drawing from her childhood experiences in a family deeply rooted in convenience retail, Nisha expressed her long-standing connection to the industry.
Nisha said: "Many of my fondest memories are of spending time in family-run stores, surrounded by the hustle and bustle. When the opportunity arose to take over this store - just three doors from where we live - it felt like the perfect venture. We knew firsthand the store’s potential and its importance to our community."
For Karan, the store represented a new challenge and a departure from his previous 17-year career in warehouse operations.
Together, the couple decided to embrace this new chapter, supported by the knowledge and experience of their extended family. Situated in the heart of Evington, the store has always been more than a retail space; it’s a hub for the local community.
With three nearby Co-op stores having recently closed, the need for a reliable, locally focused convenience store has never been greater. Recognising this, the new owners prioritised stocking Co-op own-brand products, which have been warmly received by the community.
The store also continues to support beloved local suppliers, offering Italian bread, fresh produce from Hambleton’s Bakery, and meats from Joseph Morris.
"We’ve worked hard to bring back what the community values most," Karan shared. "The locals missed having a place they could rely on for fresh, quality products close to home, especially older residents who can’t easily access larger supermarkets. Their enthusiasm and encouragement have been incredibly uplifting."'
The decision to partner with Nisa was pivotal in the store’s transformation. The Nisa team provided extensive support, including a full store merchandising overhaul and a tailored planogram to optimise the layout. The newly refreshed fascia now proudly displays the Nisa brand, reinforcing the store’s commitment to quality and convenience.
Taranjit Singh Dhillon, Head of Retail at Nisa, commented: "We’re thrilled to see Karan and Nisha bring this store back to life. Their passion for serving the community aligns perfectly with Nisa’s ethos. With the tailored support we’ve provided and their dedication, the store is set to thrive as a cornerstone of Evington’s community."'
The couple inherited a store that had been left empty, with no stock on the shelves and reduced footfall. However, with determination and guidance from Nisa, the transformation has been remarkable.
"The support we’ve received from the Nisa team and the community has been overwhelming," Nisha noted. "Rebuilding the store was challenging, but seeing customers return and hearing their gratitude makes it all worthwhile. We’re excited to continue improving and serving our neighbours."
As the store establishes itself once again as a community hub, Nisha and Karan are exploring opportunities to further integrate with the neighbourhood through initiatives like Nisa’s charity, Making a Difference Locally.
With its refreshed appearance, thoughtful product selection, and committed ownership, the Evington Village Nisa store is poised to become a cherished part of the community for years to come.
Tanwar Hussain
