Costa Coffee has confirmed the closure of two major branches in Manchester city centre, leaving customers disappointed. Both stores, located on Market Street, were boarded up and stripped of all Costa signage earlier this week.
The branches had been open and operational just weeks earlier, but now one store is already covered in signage for a new Hasselblad store opening soon.
Statement from Costa Coffee
When asked by the Daily Star for an update on the two now-closed stores, a spokesman said: "We can confirm that our two Costa Coffee stores on Market Street, Manchester, have closed this year. All our talented team members were relocated to surrounding stores. Customers can continue to enjoy their favourite handcrafted coffee at our two nearby stores in the Arndale Centre, Manchester."
No reason for the closures was forthcoming, and one frequent customer told the Daily Star that they were "gutted about the closures" but pleased that the staff had been relocated.
Recent closures in Cornwall
The two closures come just days after the brand suddenly closed some outlets across Cornwall. The coffee chain, which has nearly 2,800 shops and more than 12,000 Express machines throughout the UK, has confirmed that it has ended its franchise with the local company that runs the branches.
The shops known to be affected are in Belle Vue, Bude; Molesworth Street, Wadebridge; Trelowarren Street, Camborne; Fore Street, Bodmin; and Meneage Street, Helston. Several are run by Kernow Koffi, based in Paignton, Devon. A handwritten sign at the Meneage Street branch in Helston read "circumstances beyond our control," but also said the store hopes to reopen soon. Other Costa shops throughout Cornwall remain open.
Franchise agreement terminated
A spokesman for Costa Coffee confirmed the closures to Cornwall Live and said in a statement: "Following a breach of our franchise agreement, we have taken the difficult decision to terminate our franchise agreement with the franchise partner, resulting in the closure of these stores. Customers can find their nearest Costa Coffee using our store locator." The spokesman said employment issues are the franchise partner's responsibility and not for Costa to comment on.
There are several more branches of the coffee chain within a few minutes walk of the now-closed Manchester stores, including at least three nearby.
