Wanstead Starbucks to close

Picture: Google Streetview

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.

2 thoughts on “Wanstead Starbucks to close”

  1. Why would the new Marks & Spencer increase footfall to Starbucks, that doesn’t make sense? They have some good strong independent competition on the high street, so no surprise really. It’s a big old space so will be interesting to see who takes it.

  2. Do we really need a charity furniture shop – all that will happen is that folk will dump their unwanted furniture outside – more miss for an already dirty high street. Where’s the street cleaners ?

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