Independent retailer Harsh Amipara is set to significantly expand his convenience store portfolio, aiming to quadruple his current number of outlets over the next five years. This ambitious growth plan follows the renewal of a long-term supply deal with Co-op Wholesale, formerly known as Nisa.
Key Takeaways
- Harsh Amipara plans to grow his store estate from five to 20 locations by 2030.
- The expansion will focus on East London and Essex.
- The decision to renew with Co-op Wholesale was driven by product range and customer trust in own-brand products.
Ambitious Growth Strategy
Harsh Amipara, who has been involved in the family business for five years and whose family has a 30-year history with Nisa, intends to increase his store count from the current five to twenty by 2030. This expansion will primarily target areas in East London and Essex. The retailer’s existing five stores include a Nisa Local in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, which opened in June 2025, alongside other locations in East London, Chigwell, and Southminster.
Partnership Driving Expansion
The decision to extend the partnership with Co-op Wholesale was a strategic one for Amipara. He highlighted the strength of the chilled and frozen ranges, as well as the significant trust customers place in Co-op’s own-brand products, as key factors contributing to his stores’ performance. Amipara believes this renewed partnership provides the necessary support and product offering to pursue larger opportunities and successfully establish new stores.
Focus on Convenience and Trust
Amipara has built a reputation for transforming underperforming retail sites into successful convenience stores. The extended five-year deal with Co-op Wholesale is expected to facilitate this entrepreneurial drive, combining it with Co-op Wholesale’s market-leading offerings to deliver quality, convenience, and choice to local shoppers. This strategy aims to ensure continued success and community impact across the expanding store network.
