LA Foods has marked its new flagship London Nisa store on Holloway Road, Islington, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Held on Saturday 8th August, 2026, it signals a key milestone for LA Foods and Co-op Wholesale – the home of Nisa – as the partners celebrate over 25 years in business together following a five-year contract extension.
As the newest Nisa store in LA Foods’ portfolio, it proudly displays the new Nisa fascia and proposition, launched by the Co-op Wholesale symbol earlier this year. It will benefit from an increased focus on Co-op Brand products, with award-winning, popular lines being ranged across the store. It will also showcase community support through Making A Difference Locally (MADL), Co-op Wholesale’s charity, which has a fresh logo and presence in Nisa stores, all desgned to better serve the good causes it fundraises for as well as retail partners.
Co-op Wholesale supported the grand opening – it shared Co-op branded samples and goodybags from Britvic and Pip & Nut with shoppers, making the opening a memorable experience. Meanwhile, a digital ad van was supplied to champion the store launch throughout the local area to increase awareness and drive footfall to the store.
The new Nisa store, which is conveniently located next door to the Odeon cinema on Holloway Road, signals a significant investment in the local community’s retail experience, with the store being fitted out to the highest specification. A standout feature is the prominent produce island positioned at the entrance, showcasing an extensive selection of loose fresh fruits and vegetables. This focal point is designed to inspire customers with convenient meal solutions while encouraging increased basket spend through quality and variety.
Further store enhancements include a significantly expanded chilled range, the introduction of electronic shelf edge labels (SELs) to streamline operations and improve pricing accuracy, as well as a food-to-go (FTG) solution stocked with award winning Co-op brand product. An in-store coffee provision meets the growing demand for quality hot beverages to enjoy on the go, too.
With 13 of its London-based stores currently operating under the Nisa fascia, LA Foods’ convenience business will continue to benefit from Co-op Wholesale’s competitive pricing, market-leading availability, award-winning Co-op brand range and leading independent retail expertise.
The new Nisa store was officially declared open by Martin Swadling, Customer Director at Co-op Wholesale, and Tabrez Hussain, LA Foods’ Owner, who cut the ribbon at the well-attended grand opening.
Martin Swadling, customer director at Co-op Wholesale, commented: “It was great to be part of such a wonderful Nisa store opening, as it always is when it’s in partnership with a brilliant business like LA Foods. Marking the next chapter in our journey together is a really proud moment and it was extra special to be joined by so many local shoppers, who we hope will enjoy shopping here for years to come.”
Tabrez Hussain, Director at LA Foods, commented: “We’re thrilled to be opening our new Nisa store in the heart of Islington and are delighted with how it looks and feels. The feedback from our shoppers has been excellent so far, which we’re over the moon with. Being in the centre of the community and serving customers what they need, when they need it is our main driver and we’re confident the new store can do exactly that.
“Our partnership with Co-op Wholesale is stronger than ever thanks to the support the team continues to offer us, while our five-year contract extension is testament to our outstanding relationship. We notice a real sales benefit stocking Co-op brand lines, too – the range is always well marketed and appeals to our customers looking for quality food. The pizzas in particular are a real hero product – we simply wouldn’t be without now!”
Making a difference in the Community (MADL)
A unique point of difference and real draw for LA Foods is Co-op Wholesale’s charity – Making A Difference Locally (MADL). It supports retail partners through fundraising via Co-op brand products’ sales to support causes local to stores.
Via MADL, £1,000 has been donated to Whittington Park Community Association. The money will help it to continue to provide low-cost lunches for over 55s. Volunteers cook two course meals three days a week as part of a wider programme that provides free activities for local over 55s to increase mental and physical health and decrease loneliness.
Kate Carroll, social value Lead, at MADL, said: “LA Foods chose to support Whittington Park Community Association because they know how important their work is in this community. Through Making a Difference Locally, we’re proud to help independent retailers fund the causes that matter most to them and their customers, and we’re delighted these funds will support the Social Club programme.”
This latest store opening reflects LA Foods’ continued commitment to investing in its estate, improving customer experience, and strengthening its role within the communities it serves.
