Job opportunity
The pigeon is landing
Wanstead Starbucks to close
Wansteadium has learned that Wanstead Starbucks is to close and become a charity furniture shop. The closure is due to happen in two weeks’ time, with the replacement shop planning to open before the end of September.
A statement issued to Wansteadium says:
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers in Wanstead for their loyalty over the years as we confirm that we will be closing our store on 22nd August 2018. For those customers looking to carry on enjoying their favourite Starbucks drink, the team at our stores at Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford and Ilford High Street look forward to welcoming you.”
The news will come as a shock to many, especially coming just a year after the future of the cafe seemed settled following the erection of signs indicating the site was to let. The closure seems especially strange since the cafe is always busy and is well established, having been there for more than 10 years.
Wanstead High Street already has a number of charity shops, though not one selling furniture. Charity shops have advantages over other retailers – in that they get an 80% discount on the normal business rate, and do not have to pay for stock or staff.
The news is perhaps even stranger as the long-awaited M&S Foodhall has confirmed it will be opening at 10am on 23 August almost directly opposite the Starbucks site. 29 people will be working at the shop, which will offer a click and collect service for all M&S clothes and other goods. The shop will be open from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 7pm on Sunday.
@Wansteadium finally! pic.twitter.com/tN6ks4iWKA
— Dave Garey (@biggooner) August 9, 2018
Closing Aug 27th from what I was told today
— Terry (@TMacReturns) August 9, 2018
Bob returns
The infamous Bob of Aldersbrook – The white cheeked turaco – eating grapes in my garden in Woodlands avenue this morning reported some months ago in @wansteadium pic.twitter.com/CYuvPageSb
— Thierry S (@Tdelondres) August 6, 2018
(The earlier sighting we reported was actually Jan 2016, but time does fly.)
Job opportunity
Wanstead-based company Schools Marketing Company is after a sales support assistant. Full details of the job and information on how to apply are here.
(Got a job to advertise to the people of Wanstead? Get in touch here.)