Winning in Watford

A huge regeneration project in Watford has enabled an independent retailer to realise his dream store after several years in the planning.

Raj Oulakh moved into the purpose-built retail unit as part of the second phase of a £218 million investment in South Oxhey Central.

The Nisa partner had previously operated in premises which were earmarked for demolition and once knocked down he was re-located to a temporary unit across the road from his original site.

But in September this year, the new store was ready to launch and Raj said he’s thrilled to finally have moved in and start trading.

“After four years of planning and anticipation, I’m delighted to finally open my Nisa food store.

"The building looks fantastic and I’m pleased I invested in a high-end shop fit-out to match the quality of the development.”

Making use of his symbol group development fund, Raj has created a contemporary store that offers his customers a real wow factor.

The 2,500 sq. ft. space has been transformed into a premium convenience store with the latest Arneg Osaka dairy cabinets, lighting rings above the counter area and track lighting everywhere else coupled with a superb range for shoppers.

With the space allocated to chilled produce more than doubled in the new store the investment reaped rewards immediately with a growth in weekly fresh sales of around 70% in just the first few weeks of opening.

Now situated on the main road, and with plans for further regeneration in the area including the addition of several hundred more new homes, the new store is in a prime location.

Raj said: "I’m looking forward to trading here and serving the community. It’s great to see the area transform bit by bit and you can see how it’s all coming together."