If the independent coffee shops are so great and well loved by the locals, they should have little to worry about should they?

There is this assumption that any independent is preferable to any chain and I think that's a bit simplistic. They are different offerings and people who appreciate something a bit quirky and distinctive aren't necessarily going to desert those places for a Costa tucked inside a supermarket are they?
If the local coffee shops are doing a great job they will win and retain loyal customers.

It's getting the balance right that's important. I wouldn't want to see a high street dominated by chains, but having just small independent shops doesn't automatically mean you're getting something consistently better. How many of you would vehemently oppose a Waitrose opening up in the area? Some maybe...but I bet a lot of people would welcome it with open arms.

This post was last modified: 08-11-2012 01:46 PM by seeformiles.