Debenhams is to further ramp up its in-store F&B offer with the introduction of Patisserie Valerie and Chi Kitchen concessions.
The company, which is already working with Joe and the Juice, Insomnia, Ireland’s largest independently owned coffee shop chain and Costa, will trial Patisserie Valerie units in six of its stores. Patisserie Valerie also currently operates a handful of sites in Next stores
Chi Kitchen, an exclusive Pan-Asian cuisine offer from the owners of Mango Tree, will be trialled in the group’s Oxford Street and Birmingham stores.
The retailer is also set to expand in-store Costa Coffee concessions to over 20 sites after a successful trial of the brand in six sites.
Chief executive Michael Sharp told M&C Report: “We have found that consumers spend more time and 50% more money in-store when food is included in the offer.”
The company, which operates c160 stores in the UK, said last year that it was in discussions with a number of well-known brands in regards to enhancing its F&B offer.
It initially focused on 22 destination outlets, which didn’t then have a café and restaurant offer. It said remained on track to fill more than 50% of the 1million square foot (of spare space) it had identified by April 2016.
Costa launched concessions in six stores: Guildford and Slough last June and Derby, Exeter, Haverfordwest and Woking last July.
Joe & the Juice has since opened sites in the Debenhams stores in Manchester and Clapham.
Insomnia currently operates 36 high street sites in Ireland.
