About Us

Our History

After serving in the First World War and a period buying and selling eggs, chickens and rabbits in addition to running a school bus and taxi service Harry Tuffin became an independent businessman in 1955 when he bought a garage with two petrol pumps in the nearby village of Churchstoke.

He was joined in 1962 by his daughter Ruby and her husband Roy Delves who grew the business and moved to a larger site in Churchstoke building a large supermarket and petrol station. Roy later established the famous Sunday Market and expanded the supermarket to a one stop shop selling everything from taps to turnips!

Their son Paul joined in 1978 and expanded the business further, growing to ten shops in total and becoming a household name in Mid Wales and the Marches. With the stores being based in rural communities it has always been important for us to stock products from the local area and provide a wide range of goods at the best possible prices. In 2012 Roy and Ruby sold the business but one year later Paul bought the Craven Arms supermarket back returning it to the family once again.

In October 2018 we opened another store in Powys, building a brand new 3,000 sq ft convenience store and forecourt in Welshpool.

Now run by the fourth generation of the family, Paul’s sons Phillip and Harry, we are proud to be independent. A lot has changed since 1955 but our values of great customer service, value for money and sourcing products locally remain the same four generations later.

NISA Connections

NISA launched in 1977 as the Northern Independents Supermarket Association to protect the interests of independents against  the insurgence of national supermarket chains. Over the next 20 years it grew rapidly, attracting thousands of independent retailers to its membership, replaced 'Northern' with 'National' and pioneered central distribution to independent stores to provide them the same benefits as multiples. 

The Tuffins business originally became of member of NISA in 1982 and the Craven Arms store recently by Paul Delves has renewed it's membership. Being a NISA member gives independent supermarkets many benefits. It has a recognisable name and trustworthy reputation plus 40 years of experience and knowledge on hand. An extensive product range plus strong own label brands are available to all members and because it's owned by it's members, all surplus profits are reinvested or returned as rebates.

For customers, it means you have access to a large range of brands selling a variety of products, all of which have been approved by NISA. The products are often from smaller brands giving you opportunity to try unique products at competitive pricing.

In May 2018 the Co-operative Group purchased NISA, giving us access to Co-op brand products, however we are still independent, and proud to be.

For more information, check out their website here: http://www.nisalocally.co.uk/