Nisa partners with Ascona forecourts to supply sites with grocery

• The stores will take on the latest Nisa Evolution fascia and store formats over the coming months

• Ascona decided to join forces with Nisa to gain access to the Co-op own-brand range

Nisa Retail has signed a deal with growing forecourt operator Ascona Group to supply its 37 sites with grocery products and the Co-op own-label range.

The businesses agreed terms just ahead of the outbreak of Covid-19 earlier this year, with the transition of the first 12 outlets across to Nisa completed.

The remaining sites will gradually move over as contracts end with current supplier Bestway.

All 37 stores are set to take on the latest Nisa Evolution fascia and store formats over the coming months, with the first outlets to be converted as soon as work can recommence following restrictions imposed during the coronavirus outbreak.

The stores vary in size from 800 sq ft to about 3,000 sq ft and are located across large parts of the country, including the Midlands, the south east, Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire and in Cumbria, as well as sites near its head office in Pembrokeshire.

The decision to join forces with Nisa was driven by the desire for improved availability and access to the Co-op own-brand range, Ascona said.

The business, which has a turnover of more than £25m, added as the stores come online with Nisa, customers would start to see an increased product range across all categories, particularly the own-brand offer.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be working with the team at Ascona and am very much looking forward to supporting them as they continue to grow their service station estate,” said Victoria Lockie, Nisa head of key accounts.

Ascona retail trading director Paul Stoddart added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Nisa and looking forward to improving our retail convenience offering across our entire estate. This new supply agreement will increase our product range and availability with the ability to stock the Co-op own-label range.

“Our customers will enjoy an improved in-store offering in line with our retail strategy as our network increases across the UK in the coming months. This new convenience offering will enable our stores to remain competitive in an ever-more challenging market environment and ultimately exceed customer expectations.”