A newly-built Nisa Local store in Hull has opened on the site of a derelict parade of shops that was gutted by a fire last year.

The 2,000sq. ft purpose-built store, which has been fitted with Nisa’s latest Evolution format fascia, has seen the installation of 20-metres of energy-saving chillers with doors, a range of both chilled and frozen products, as well as alcohol and freshly-made sandwiches.

Store owner Permjit Singh Mehat, who also runs two other stores in Hull with husband Sarinder, said the initial response to the store from the local community had been pleasing following positive sales.

“This project has taken quite some time to get to this stage and so I am really happy to get the doors open and start serving the local people. Sales are going really well and our customers like what we are doing. It’s really important we connect with our customers – whether they are three years old or they are 80. The service we small retailers can provide to shoppers is one that the big supermarkets can’t.

“I keep a notebook behind the counter and if people ask us to stock something we write it down in the book, with their name and telephone number and when we get it in we call them to let them know. Usually we can get it within 24 hours and our customers really like that personal service.”

Permjit has plans to develop the store further, with the addition of more freshly-baked goods and lunchtime filled baguettes and wraps.

She added: “The people here appreciate us and they now know that it’s not just a little corner shop, our store is for their everyday shopping and with great availability and such a good range we are providing a service to the community.”