UK FOOD wholesale and retail group Nisa-Today's has agreed a supply deal with Galway-based retailer Joyces 365, marking its first entry into the Republic.
Nisa-Today's will supply a large range of goods to Joyces, which will continue to operate under its own brand.
Pat Joyce, managing director of the Galway business, said the move will give it access to a larger buying group. "This enables us to tap into their buying organisation and means we can tap into a lot of deals and offers that we can pass on to our customers," he said. "We'll also be able to carry a much broader range of goods."
The Irish retailer has been involved in trials with Nisa-Today's for the past six months. Mr Joyce sent an e-mail to Nisa-Today's last year requesting information on joining the group.
Founded in 1951 and based in Headford, Joyces operates four stores and employs about 230 staff. Mr Joyce said the business would continue to be family owned, having being founded by his father Patrick.
Mr Joyce said it plans to build a larger 1,858sq m (20,000sq ft) store at its site in Headford and is looking at other expansion opportunities. "Galway is our base, but we'll consider anything within about an hour and a half drive of the Galway region. We're looking forward to the future and to expanding."
Nisa-Today's recently appointed a business development manager for both the North and South of Ireland. It has about 80 member stores in Northern Ireland and sells 180,000 cases of goods a week there.
Andrew Mouse, group sales director said: "We have been assessing the opportunities for extending our business and logistics model into southern Ireland for some time, since it has significant similarities to the UK market. It is a strong opportunity for growth and something we are keen to explore further."
