A family-run convenience store and Texaco garage in Ilminster has partnered with Co-op Wholesale, the home of Nisa, for the first time, marking an exciting new chapter after serving the local community for more than 25 years.
The independent retailer, operated by Laurie McKinnon (Laurence John McKinnon), has transitioned from SPAR to the new Nisa proposition, bringing customers an enhanced shopping experience and access to Co-op own-brand products.
The business was originally developed by Laurie’s parents before he became the primary operator and has remained at the heart of the local community for more than two decades.
As part of the move, the store is proudly showcasing Nisa’s fresh, modern fascia and point-of-sale materials. The refreshed store also features new chillers stocked with Co-op’s award-winning own-brand food-to-go and food-for-later ranges, designed to tempt shoppers.
By joining Nisa, Laurie will benefit from a package designed to help independent retailers grow, including no standard membership fees, delivery fees or surcharges, alongside the opportunity to earn rebates of up to 6%.
The partnership also provides access to dedicated retail support, category expertise and sector insight from the wider Co-op Wholesale business, helping the store continue to evolve its offer for local shoppers.
Customers will benefit from access to Co-op’s unrivalled, award-winning own-brand range, with more than 2,400 products available to Nisa retailers, supplied by Co-op Wholesale, across key categories including food-to-go, meal solutions and everyday essentials, alongside hundreds of innovative new products introduced every year.
Beyond the store partnership
The move also strengthens the store’s commitment to local causes through Making a Difference Locally (MADL), Co-op Wholesale’s charity, which raises funds through sales of Co-op own-brand products.
To mark the launch, the store and Making a Difference Locally have donated £500 to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. The retailer is committed to continuing its fundraising efforts through MADL to support good causes in Ilminster and the surrounding area.
Laurie McKinnon, owner of the Ilminster store, said, “This is a significant moment for both our business and our customers. We’ve proudly served the Ilminster community for more than 25 years and, while moving away from a brand we’ve worked with for so long is a major decision, we believe partnering with Co-op Wholesale is the right step for the future.
“The new Nisa proposition gives us access to a fantastic range of products, including the trusted Co-op own-brand range, as well as valuable retail support and expertise that will help us continue improving our offer. Most importantly, it allows us to keep delivering the service and value our customers expect while remaining a truly independent, family-run business at the heart of the community.”
Ian King, Business Development and Growth Director at Co-op Wholesale, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Laurie and his team to Co-op Wholesale, the home of Nisa. Independent retailers are at the heart of what we do, and we’re committed to helping them succeed through a combination of market-leading support, strong commercial benefits and access to Co-op’s highly regarded own-brand range.
“Laurie’s store has built an excellent reputation in Ilminster over the years, and we’re excited to be supporting the next stage of its journey. We look forward to working together to help the business grow while continuing to serve its local community.”
Kate Caroll, Social Value Lead at Co-op Wholesale, said, “The partnership with Laurie’s store is a great example of how independent retailers can make a positive difference in their local communities through Making a Difference Locally. We’re pleased to support the donation to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance as part of the launch and look forward to seeing the impact of future fundraising for local causes across Ilminster.”
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