Cambridgeshire retailer opens new store amid pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic did throw a spanner to retailer Siva Thievanayagan’s plans to open his latest store, but his persistent efforts have now paid off with astounding sales.

Siva officially opened the refurbished Nisa store in St Neot’s, Cambridgeshire at the end of May, and the reception from the shoppers has indeed been encouraging.

Sales were doubled in just the first week, increasing from an average £9,000 per week under the previous ownership to £20,000.

“It took longer than I hoped it would to complete the project with some problems early on and then the coronavirus, but I am really pleased with the result,” Siva said.

Siva bought the store, which is in a residential area, last year along with an unused unit next door. The store is located close to a local school and a busy train station, with direct access to a car park

The renovation saw a complete transformation of the business from a small corner shop to a destination offering a full convenience offer.

“I wanted to use the space to create a really welcoming store for our customers so that when they come in, they think how amazing it is and that’s what they now get when they walk through the doors,” Siva said.

The original store was less than 1,500 sq. ft with structural columns in the middle and varying floor levels leading to restricted space for chilled, frozen and ambient and a layout that made it difficult to offer an adequate range.

Now, all the additional space from the neighbouring unit has been used to extend the shop floor to more than 2,500 sq. ft.

Key improvements include the installation of two self-service checkouts, a dedicated bakery including a small deli counter allowing hot food to be served, an extensive food to go offer including freshly made sandwiches, Costa Coffee and Tango Ice-blast and F’real milkshakes.

The off licence has been significantly improved in size, increasing from three to seven bays and given a modern, fresh look within a dedicated area.

In total the space for chilled produce has tripled in size from six to 18 bays and frozen has doubled by replacing two chest freezers with five upright ones.

“We also stock local products and our staff are from the local community which has helped create a really local feel that makes our shoppers comfortable and want to come back,” Siva said.