Nisa Grocery Stores

YorksLass

Where I live there are two Co-Op stores, both within walking distance.  The one I use has a Post Office inside plus an ATM (also inside) and is a couple of doors down from my hairdresser's salon so it's very convenient for me.  Sadly, it is closing later this month and will re-open as a Nisa.  As Nisa is part of the Co-Op Group it will be stocking some Co-Op branded "essentials" but the staff haven't been told what these are and, as far as I know, they will not be eligible for the Co-Op rewards scheme.  Has anyone shopped at Nisa and, if so, what do you think of them?  I have it in my mind they could be selling mainly "junk" type food items.  All views gratefully received.

Toonie

My local ones are essentially little grocery stores, similar in style to a Spar. They have some fresh foods, usual grocery larder items, household bits and bobs, and some fairly good seasonal offers. A little over priced but that's how these shops are, they have good locations, but a small footprint, so mark things up a bit. Stock tends to change fairly regularly, as do deals. My local ones have lots of co-op items.

Apintplease

When I worked in a Nisa back in the very early 80's, it was a very on trend shop for the location , Notting Hill, so a very up market Deli, fresh orange juice bar, Ground coffee beans to order that sort of thing. Open very early to very late back then.

I could be wrong but I think they customise their stores for the locality. Ive been in other Nisa's over the years and they have been more like a Spar or a Co - op local

YorksLass

Thanks for the replies, I think I know what to expect now.  I'll have a look round when they re-open to see what's what.  They're still open for another week but the shelves are practically bare as there is no new stock coming in until after the change-over.  That said, I have had a few RTC bargains over the last couple of weeks as they try to get rid of existing stocks.  

I don't use them for my main shop but they are handy at times and I do use them for particular items.  If needs be, I can always use the other Co-Op.  The only drawback with that one is that there are no other shops around there (just houses) so if they haven't got what you need it's a wasted journey.  

Rosa_Damascena

Toonie said:

My local ones are essentially little grocery stores, similar in style to a Spar. They have some fresh foods, usual grocery larder items, household bits and bobs, and some fairly good seasonal offers. A little over priced but that's how these shops are, they have good locations, but a small footprint, so mark things up a bit. Stock tends to change fairly regularly, as do deals. My local ones have lots of co-op items.

That makes sense. When I lived in London my local Co-op - always handy for a YS bargain! - turned into a NISA and I never bothered to set foot inside thinking it would be your standard pricey but not particularly well-stocked corner shop. I didn't recognise any element of partnership with Co-Op.

YorksLass

Update:
The store has re-opened and, as I was next door at the hairdressers, decided to have a look around.  The ATM has gone and the Post Office was closed due to a "technical issue" but should be open again tomorrow.  There are quite a lot of Co-op branded products but pricier than before.  Examples: a 9-pack of toilet rolls - was £3.55, now £4.15; a box of man-size tissues - was £1.60, now £1.65; 2 litres lemonade - was 60p, now 85p.  Fruit & veg prices pretty much the same as before but not as good quality.  No special offers spotted.  Lots of gaps on the shelves (maybe it's still a work in progress) and of course nothing is where it was before.  Not even a store name on the outside.  All in all, very disappointing.    The few people who were browsing like me all walked out without buying anything.  I know it's early days, but I think they will have to up their game if they want to stay in business.

purpleivy

My parents (East Yorks) have a Nisa near them and Dad finds it useful for top up shop. They do a good range of bits and pieces. He gets packets of fresh salmon there and all sorts. 

They have some Co-op stuff there too. 

YorksLass

I've been in again this week (to use the Post Office) and had another look around to see if things have improved.  No change I'm afraid, so I'm pleased there is another Co-op store within walking distance that I can use.  Apparently, this Nisa no longer sells alcohol of any description (owner's choice) so that could be another nail in the coffin    I'm wishing the Co-op had sold it to Aldi or Llidl instead.

mehefin

Our local Nisa is very good. The butchery department rivals any others in the area. Suppose it comes down to locality in the end

Rosa_Damascena

I have a local branch but have never wandered in to shop (only to drop off to a courier service), despite the fact that it is located 100m closer than the nearest Tesco Express.