Wholesaler Nisa-Today's ended the financial year on a high by delivering its 100 millionth case since April 2009, with some 419 stores joining the group over the course of the year.
Its Nisa symbol group also enjoyed a good year, growing by 104 stores and carrying out a rolling programme of upgrades to the Nisa Local format.
Chief executive officer Neil Turton said the group's success was built on a resurgence of grocery. "The recession saw people turning to their local shops for general groceries rather than simply impulse purchases, and with the range we're able to offer and the reliability of our delivery, our members were able to take advantage."
He admitted to "a degree of good fortune" as the sell-off of former Somerfield properties brought 38 larger stores from 5,000-11,000sq ft into the group.
"We're seeing a new genre of small independent supermarkets emerging, and while other distributors have cut range we're offering some 13,000 items which suits these larger stores," Turton said.
Plans for the coming year include the recruitment of a further 180 new members. "We're determined to eliminate any reason why any good retailer would not wish to be a Nisa member, with a combination of low pricing, punchy and effective marketing and our unique culture built on the collaborative approach of members."
The group's successful rejection of a takeover bid from distribution partner Bibby Line Group "lanced a boil" Turton said. "It was a black and white result we're a member-owned group and we're not for sale."
However, shared ownership of the group was less of a priority among new recruits, he said. "Half our members are new in the past five years, and for them the appeal is range, promotions and support rather than mutuality," Turton added.
Its Nisa symbol group also enjoyed a good year, growing by 104 stores and carrying out a rolling programme of upgrades to the Nisa Local format.
Chief executive officer Neil Turton said the group's success was built on a resurgence of grocery. "The recession saw people turning to their local shops for general groceries rather than simply impulse purchases, and with the range we're able to offer and the reliability of our delivery, our members were able to take advantage."
He admitted to "a degree of good fortune" as the sell-off of former Somerfield properties brought 38 larger stores from 5,000-11,000sq ft into the group.
"We're seeing a new genre of small independent supermarkets emerging, and while other distributors have cut range we're offering some 13,000 items which suits these larger stores," Turton said.
Plans for the coming year include the recruitment of a further 180 new members. "We're determined to eliminate any reason why any good retailer would not wish to be a Nisa member, with a combination of low pricing, punchy and effective marketing and our unique culture built on the collaborative approach of members."
The group's successful rejection of a takeover bid from distribution partner Bibby Line Group "lanced a boil" Turton said. "It was a black and white result we're a member-owned group and we're not for sale."
However, shared ownership of the group was less of a priority among new recruits, he said. "Half our members are new in the past five years, and for them the appeal is range, promotions and support rather than mutuality," Turton added.
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