Nisa partner extends store in Northern Ireland

The store, which now stands at 16,000sq ft, has enabled the retailer to build on its range of freshly prepared foods.

Owner and Nisa partner Peter Rice, said: “It took quite a long time to get planning permission and so we started work as soon as we got it passed; it just happened to coincide with the start of the pandemic.”

He added: “We already had a good business before the extension but adding on the extra space allows us to develop what we were already doing and expand.

“Our baking is something for which we have been renowned for many years, especially our scones, and we also do lots more cooking and bakery products, prepared fruit and vegetables for shoppers to take home and cook, baby meals, cakes and desserts.”

The retailer has also introduced a butchery counter supplied by Rice’s own cattle, ensuring Farm Quality Assured Irish Beef, and an ice-cream parlour.

Rice said: “We have a very loyal customer base but as our loyal shoppers get older, we needed to ensure we continue to attract the younger market and get them coming in and shopping with us.

“The ice cream parlour is one way we’re targeting them; getting the families into store for the ice cream treats and then they move into the store and pick up their shopping.”