Harris + Hoole, the coffee shop chain half-owned by Tesco has announced major expansion plans to double its store count in the UK.
The chain which has attracted criticism from some quarters on its efforts to appear independent and family-owned but is co-owned by Britain's largest retailer, is planning to double in size up to 60 stores in the UK while employing more than 1,000 people.
A spokeswoman for the company told the Guardian newspaper that most of its new stores will be located in the south-east of England, both as stand alone stores and concessions inside Tesco shops.
Harris + Hoole is a key plank of Tesco's attempt to reinvent itself as a shopping destination and not just a supermarket.
Though owned by Tesco, there is no mention of Tesco's ownership stake on Harris + Hoole's menus or in the stores. "We don't believe our customers are interested in who is providing the financial backing for our business. They come to our shops to enjoy better coffee in a great environment, but of course if anyone is interested in our business backers, we'll always happily answer their questions," the spokeswoman told the Guardian.
Last year, Phillip Clarke also explained the lack of the Tesco brand on Harris + Hoole in a blog post.
"The Harris + Hoole brand is part of its value- its distinctiveness and appeal. It's the Trolley's business, their brand. Our investment helps them to take it further".
© 2014 - European Supermarket Magazine by Enda Dowling
To sign up to ESM’s weekly e-zine newsletter, send an email with the subject: ‘Subscribe ESM news’ to [email protected]
