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Thievanayagan bought the store last year along with an unused unit next door and has transformed the business. The original store was less than 1,500sq ft with structural columns in the middle and varying floor levels leading to restricted space for chilled, frozen and ambient and a layout that made it difficult to offer an adequate range. The additional space from the neighbouring unit has been used to extend the shop floor to more than 2,500sq ft.
Key improvements include the installation of two self-service checkouts, a dedicated bakery including a small deli counter enabling hot food to be served, an extensive food-to-go offer including freshly made sandwiches, Costa Coffee and Tango Ice-blast, and F’real milkshakes.
The off licence has been significantly improved in size, increasing from three to seven bays and given a modern, fresh look within a dedicated area.
In addition, the space for chilled produce has tripled in size from six to 18 bays and frozen has doubled by replacing two chest freezers with five upright ones.
The store officially opened to shoppers at the end of May after being extended and refurbished. In just the first week, sales were 100% up – increasing from an average £9,000 per week under the previous owner to £20,000.
Thievanayagan said: “It took longer than I hoped it would to complete the project with some problems early on and then the coronavirus, but I am really pleased with the result.
“I wanted to use the space to create a really welcoming store for our customers so that when they come in, they think how amazing it is and that’s what they now get when they walk through the doors.
“We also stock local products and our staff are from the local community which has helped create a really local feel that makes our shoppers comfortable and want to come back.”
Vicky Lockie, head of key accounts at Nisa, added: “We are so pleased to have been able to support Siva with his latest venture, particularly so considering the challenges faced due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It has been a really great team effort.”
