Nisa-Today's is in the final stages of developing a new co-branded fascia with independent retail chain Mills Group.

The concept will initially be launched at 19 of Mills' 75 stores. Work has begun on the conversions, with the first of the new fascias to be unveiled next month.

"The co-branding scheme is a way of refreshing our stores and announcing them as convenience operators," said Mills Group sales and marketing director Dave Pickford.

He said Mills, which joined Nisa-Today's last October, wanted to strengthen its partnership with the buying group.

Sales at the chain, which last year recorded a turnover of £50.9m, had accelerated this year due to the introduction of fresh food and alcohol ranges supplied by Nisa, he added.

Nisa-Today's group symbol director John Heagney said: "We have produced a fascia that preserves the Mills identity and endorses its presence in the convenience market."

Nisa was keen to grow its symbol operation, he said, and saw the joint fascia as a key feature of its offer.

The company had already engaged in similar projects with other retail members, including Harry Tuffins and Bellini's. "Our co-branded fascias are gathering great speed," he added.

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