Yahoo Finance Pret A Manger to open mini-shops in Tescos
High street chain Pret A Manger has said it will trial opening concessions in Tescos (TSCO.L) in a bid to revive sales.
The move represents the latest pivot from a high street brand that relies heavily on passing foot traffic from office workers. The move to working from home during the coronavirus pandemic has crushed sales for many casual dining outlets.
Pret has so far explored different options to revive its sales, including a coffee subscription and delivery operating from so-called 'dark kitchens'. It also rolled out a range of bake at home croissants and granola with Tesco for the same reason.
In October 2020, Pret also announced a new partnership with Moto, which will allow the company to expand their motorway service estate to three shops in the UK. The first shop at Cherwell Valley opened in December 2020, followed by a second shop at Moto’s brand-new Rugby service which opened last month.
"We're transforming our business model to adjust to a new way of living and working," said Pret.
Read more: Shops 'not out of the woods' as people return to UK high streets
The trial will initially involve just four Pret branches opening within Tesco, however if it is successful it will be rolled out more widely.
Tesco's Kensington superstore will be the first target in June, while three other shops will follow later in the summer.
The moves follow other high street staples battling for their margins amid uncertainty about the future of consumer habits.
Asda also recently said it would trial fixed, unattended delivery boxes which would give the option for home deliveries when people are out.
The trial allows shopping to be delivered within a four-hour delivery window whilst a customer is out, with a small number of Asda.com shoppers currently testing the service and providing feedback.
The boxes are fixed outside customers’ homes and can be used for a "regular" shop, including chilled and frozen items.
Watch: Should I book a holiday in 2021?
