The first Loco forecourt store has opened as the new Nisa symbol group progresses towards its ambition of 150 stores by the end of the financial year.

Opened by independent retail chain the Brookfield Group, the store in York Road, Leeds, has achieved an uplift of 10% since its conversion.
The Loco symbol group was created as an alternative fascia option for stores in close proximity to an existing Nisa fascia. Nisa has highlighted forecourt stores as a significant development opportunity.

Raj Patel, managing director of The Brookfield Group, said: “We decided to open a store under the Loco banner as we were impressed with the clean and fresh design as well as the strong support available.”

The Brookfield Group is working on two further Loco developments which will open in July and October.

Since the first two Loco stores were unveiled in Newcastle earlier this year, a total of 11 stores have been converted to Loco in areas including Malvern, Nr Preston and Hull. Nisa is currently developing 49 stores nationally.

Raj Krishan, Nisa’s retail development director, said: “In the last week alone we have received 25 queries from independent retailers keen to be part of the Loco symbol group, so although our initial target of 150 stores by the end of this financial year is ambitious, the Loco symbol group is rapidly gaining momentum so I am positive that we will achieve this figure.”