Pret a Manger will be expanding its Express format with a few key changes in accordance with learnings from the trial, interim MD Guy Meakin tells MCA.
Following a successful trial, Pret recently announced plans to roll out its self-service coffee-to-go solution to more than 50 locations in the UK by the end of the year. A key learning from the Pret Express trial was the significance of the location of coffee machines within stores and retail spaces, according to Meakin.
“We’ve always said that Pret Express would begin as a trial, which means that we’ve made some changes here and there,” he says. “Where possible, we’ve found that it’s important to place our Pret Express machines in high footfall areas near the entrance of the store, where it’s most visible to customers and more likely to encourage a purchase.”
Pret has also decided to introduce a smaller version of the Pret Express machine, allowing businesses to choose between two sizes of machine to suit the space they have.
“The machines offer the same drinks menu regardless of size, so there is no compromise on quality or variety,” Meakin adds.
Pret has also introduced organic hot chocolate, mocha drinks, and the option of organic oat milk to the options available at Pret Express.
The rollout will include convenience stores, forecourts, universities, healthcare facilities and workplaces in cities, large towns, and roadside locations.
