Tesco-backed coffee shop chain Harris + Hoole to close six stores
Harris + Hoole confirmed yesterday its decision to shut six stores, raising questions over its performance less than two years after Tesco’s investment in the coffee shop chain.
The group sparked controversy last year after it emerged that Tesco owned a stake despite its independent guise. Tesco bought a stake with the view of introducing the chain into its larger stores to attract more customers.
Co-founder Nick Tolley insisted yesterday that the vast majority of its stores “continue to perform strongly” and that it had the full support of Tesco.
The closures include five stores and one concession in a Tesco store in Highbury, London.
“Like any business which has grown rapidly, some locations have performed better than others, so it makes sense for us to review those locations which have done less well, or where the lease is coming to an end,” he said.