John Lewis Partnership is expanding its collaboration with Caffè Nero by introducing branded cafés to several of its department stores and supermarkets.
The first five Caffè Nero cafés, which combine the chain’s coffee with Waitrose’s food offering and are run by specially trained Waitrose Partners, have been introduced at Waitrose locations in Billericay, Godalming, Keynsham, Locks Heath, and Stroud.
A standalone Caffè Nero café is also set to open at the John Lewis store in White City, West London, offering a full Caffè Nero menu with drinks, deli food, and baristas
The move builds on a partnership that began in 2021, initially offering free hot drinks to My Waitrose loyalty card holders.
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Waitrose had previously discontinued the free coffee offer in 2018, but it was reintroduced due to customer demand. Now, free hot drink machines are available in 320 Waitrose stores, with nearly 25 million drinks dispensed since the program’s relaunch.
As part of the new café concept customers will be served free coffee by baristas, which differs from the previous free coffee offer.
The retail giant said the cafés aim to offer an enhanced customer experience, providing an opportunity for shoppers to relax with their drink and enjoy a snack or meal.
Waitrose commercial director Charlotte Di Cello told the Times: “Our stores are hubs for local communities across the country and we know our customers love to have the option of enjoying a coffee, snack or meal after their shop.”
Caffè Nero UK CEO Will Stratton-Morris added that the the collaboration was a “perfect pairing” and said: “There is still so much scope for our partnership to continue to grow.”
The expansion into cafés aligns with John Lewis Partnership’s broader recovery strategy to enhance customer service and re-establish itself as a leading retail brand. It reported a 2% year-on-year rise in sales to £5.9bn for the first half of the year and anticipates a higher full-year profit than the £42m reported last year.
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