Symbol Member Testimonials

Angela Harris, Nisa Extra, Wales

“We now have the kind of store that puts us in the same league as the national superstores but on a smaller scale. I think having a well-known image makes all the difference and we’ve had some great feedback from customers. They think the shop looks appealing and really clean and tidy and our 10m chill area has been a real hit with them. I’m really delighted with the store.”

Mike Lodey, Lodey’s Supermarkets, Staffordshire

“I would recommend any Nisa retailer to get onto OCS. It’s a very easy system and extremely user-friendly. There is so much information available to you – what’s coming and what’s not – and you can look out for the pre-sells and get ahead of the game. While chilled and frozen orders can be made separately, the system will tell you if you are near the next rate – you might want to order a few more cases of something to get a better deal. We can make money that way!”

Paul Delves, Harry Tuffin, Wales

“We have been strong supporters of the NETT concept since its inception and currently receive an estimated £140k per annum through this incentive. This extra cash profit forms a large part of the returns we need to maintain investment to grow our business ongoing.”

Graeme Knowles, Nisa Local, Aberdeen

“When I was looking for a new group to join, the broad spectrum of lines offered by Nisa was part of the attraction - it is the only group that can provide anywhere near the depth of chilled we want - and with deliveries six days a week. We’ve found that our customers want an even greater ready meal range now that we are with Nisa. It’s the same right across the chilled category, including both fresh juices and dairy. We’ve also had massive success with fresh produce exclusively supplied by Nisachill, and our customers are really pleased with it.”

Peter Bellini, Bellini’s, East Midlands

“Whilst we were showing good growth prior to going co-branding, the co-branding exercise was the final part of our development jigsaw and has certainly contributed, we estimate 4% to our overall growth of 16% to the end of December 2006, excluding fuel and utilities. Going co-brand has been a great move for us. The bright graphics outside the store shout loudly what we do and the services we offer, which has had a massive impact on our passing trade – a market we struggled to attract before.”

Peter Sykes, Nisa Supermarket, Merseyside

“In 2007, Colin Sykes Foodstores celebrates almost four decades of retailing and 29 of these years have been as members of Nisa. Our strong partnership and length of membership is testament to our commitment and faith in the group. The Central Distribution facility has helped to set Nisa apart from its competitors and has made it possible for us to access products across all temperatures from a central point, delivered directly to our doorsteps. Now that I have taken the reigns as managing director of our newly co-branded store, I hope to continue to work closely with Nisa to achieve even higher levels of success.”

Steve Weight, Nisa Local, Essex

“As a member of Nisa for 14 years, I have received a great deal of support from the Central teams and have been particularly impressed with the Symbol Group rebates, for which my store qualifies for ‘Gold’ status. The rebates reward the most compliant, supportive members for adhering to the core ranges, which in turn offers rewards in the shape of funding to help us to develop and improve our stores. In my opinion a winning scheme for all.”