Harj Dhasee of Nisa Village Stores in Mickleton, Gloucestershire, says fresh food and local ready meals are pulling in the punters.

The recent introduction of a local ready meal supplier has helped keep Harji’s tills ringing.

“We found a local supplier of ready meals, called Partridge’s Butchers,” he said.

“They are only about 20 miles away from the store and we started selling the range a couple of weeks ago. We do eight different varieties, like sweet chilli chicken, beef bourguignon and cottage pie.

“We do them in two packs for £5, which is very popular with our customers. I found them in a local Simply Fresh store.”

Partridge’s Butchers is a large butchers shop based in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire and was established in 1880. The shop now supplies stores in the local area and also offers a catering service. The site provides a range of steaks, beef, lamb, and bacon.

“Fresh meat has been really strong for us at the moment,” Harj adds. ”Food is becoming an event and people want to eat something different and cook something fresh themeselves.

“As we come out of the summer months, people are also looking to buy ready meals, as something comforting they can easily have at home. Our Nisa fruit and veg range has been flying off the shelves. People definitely still come to us for our fresh and chilled products because they know they will be fresh and local.”