New-look Nisa launches in Leicestershire

The couple took over the store in January 2018 and had an 18-month plan to get the business back on its feet, grow its sales, and develop the shop into a Nisa Local fascia store.

They introduced new lines to the store, including a core range of Co-op own-brand products, and worked with local suppliers to introduce fresh breads and cakes to the offer.

The refurbishment has seen a new focus on food-to-go with the addition of Tango Ice Blast, f’real, Costa Coffee, and Rollover machines.

In addition, building work was undertaken to make better use of the space available, moving a large stock room to create more room for chillers, and improving the layout for consumers.

Richard Kent said: “A few months after we started out, I fell ill, and it was touch and go for me for a while – we honestly didn’t know if I was going to make it. It has been a long time coming and so being able to stand here with our new store really is fantastic and makes us both very proud.”

He added: “The villagers are really happy with the store and we’ve worked hard to become part of the community so it’s great to see them coming in and they’re impressed by what we’ve done.

“At the end of the day, I very nearly wasn’t here to see this through and so I am very thankful that I am and for all the support that Nisa has given to Lynn and myself in order for us to get to where we are today.”