Pret A Manger to shutter 30 stores putting 1,000 jobs at risk

The food-to-go specialist said the plans formed part of a wider strategy to “adjust its business model to succeed in the new retail environment”.

Pret said it has suffered a 74% slump in sales at its UK stores amid the nationwide lockdown and needed to take “difficult steps” to ensure it emerged “fit for future growth”. 

It has kicked off a consultation to reduce its workforce across stores and its London head office.

Pret did not specify how many staff would be impacted by the move, although it is understood that around 1,000 jobs could be at risk. 

The chain said the radical restructure was necessary to ensure it had “the right number of people in place to support the business in its new environment”.  

Pret is planning to further shore up its balance sheet with the sale and leaseback of its HQ in Victoria, while discussions with landlords are ongoing as it seeks to reduce its rents.   

During lockdown, Pret launched new delivery partnerships with Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats, started selling its retail coffee proposition on Amazon and trialled click-and-collect services at some of its stores.

It will also kick off a trial of an evening delivery menu from seven of its shops.

Pret has already reopened 300 sites across the UK as it seeks to bounce back from the coronavirus crisis, but warned that its recovery in Britain was “much slower” in comparison to the other countries it trades in.  

Pret boss Pano Christou said: “We cannot defy gravity and continue with the business model we had before the pandemic. That is why we have adapted our business and found new ways to reach our customers.

“It’s a sad day for the whole Pret family, and I’m devastated that we will be losing so many employees. These decisions are not a reflection on anyone’s work or commitment. But we must make these changes to succeed in the new retail environment.

“We will be supporting our leavers to find new positions through a number of initiatives. Our goal now is to bring Pret to more people, through different channels and in new ways, so that we can continue to provide great jobs and opportunities to our remaining employees.

“While Pret may look and feel different in the short term, one thing I know is that we will come through this crisis and have a bright future if we take the right steps today.”