Costa Coffee MD Chris Rogers promises “not to railroad into towns”
| 17 October, 2012 | Posted by notocosta under Campaign news |
At a meeting hosted by Sarah Wollaston MP, Costa Coffee Managing Director Chris Rogers dodged the tough questions put by the Totnes MP and us on whether they would consider pulling out of the lease on the old Greenlife premises, what a chain meant to our community and on the price they pay for their milk. Woefully uninformed about Totnes and our community, Rogers did indicate it is not Costa’s intention to railroad into towns and that they “wish to be part of the community.” Furthermore, he promised to reconsider the decision and get back to Sarah next week.
We hope he’ll put his money where his mouth is.
And, we were heartened to see we’re not the only ones who feel Costa changes high streets for the worse. Note to Rogers: when the founders of your company say you’ve grown too big, it’s true.
Bruno Costa, who founded Costa Coffee with his brother Sergio in the 1970s, accused caffeine conglomerates of “monopolising” the market. In a candid interview with the Croydon Advertiser, the Italian-born entrepreneur said he no longer drinks the blend he co-invented, and regrets selling the business.
Mr Costa, 70, said: “As far as the coffee business is concerned, like here in Purley, I know it is monopolised by these three or four companies that don’t give much chance to the smaller ones.
“It reflects what the supermarkets have done to smaller shops in the high streets.”
In fact, as Costa is paying such a premium for their premises in Totnes, some landlords are already taking about higher rents.
Don’t be a Tesco, a Starbucks… Chris, if you really mean you won’t railroad into communities, here’s your opportunity.
Respond to the wishes of our community and ensure that Totnes doesn’t ever need a Portas Pilot. Don’t be the company that killed Totnes’ high street.
As Sarah Wollaston said, “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
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Pull the other one. Since when has Costa not muscled its unwanted way into towns?
It is not only in UK. In Cyprus Costa has 15 Costa coffee shops but has declared an intention to massively expand. And like UK, serves rubbish coffee (they do not even honour Costa Loyalty Cards).
http://keithpp.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/costa-in-protaras/
http://keithpp.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/coffee-at-costa/
Strange how unable to answer simple questions like: Will you pull out of Totnes, how much do you pay for your milk?
I would hardly call these tough questions.
They buy milk from Freshways who do not pay a fair price to farmers.
Do they pay a fair price to coffee growers?
Costa work with the local community. That’s a new one.
Did Costa Coffee Managing Director Chris Rogers turn up in a clowns uniform?