Retailer Next is to launch an own-brand coffee concept in-store, M&C Report has learnt.
The c540-strong group is to launch the Eighty-Two Coffee Co format in its Plymouth store, replacing a café currently operated by Compass. The name derives from the year the business open its first store under the Next name.
It is thought the site will be assessed before any rollout is considered.
The company currently operate c35 cafes/coffee shops across its UK estate, including some operated by Costa, Starbucks, Caffe Nero and Patisserie Valerie.
The former will soon open its fourth site with Next in its redeveloped Hounslow store.
However, it is set to assess its partnership after the latest opening.
Earlier this month, chief executive Paul May told M&C Report: “The Next link up is not been too good for us. We are opening another one with them (Hounslow) and then we will make a decision on whether we take it further. Certainly the service station has traded well.
Chairman Luke Johnson said: “The Next sites are profitable, but the footfall inside the stores isn’t as great as we would like. We are making returns, but we are going to review it after the next opening.”
Last year, Next told M&C Report that it planned work with other cafe/coffee shop operators. A spokesperson said: “We are trying to make it as competitive as we can.”
