UK coffee shops have worked tirelessly to build some of the best hospitality experiences the world has to offer. In doing so, they have earned a special place in the hearts and minds of the British public and it has been difficult to watch the pandemic threaten so many years of hard work.
As we begin the long march to recovery, the cafe industry should be heartened to learn that when Allegra asked more than 4,000 of the UK public which social gatherings they missed most during lockdown, cafes and coffee shops came second only to family and friends. Coffee shops have banked tremendous goodwill with UK consumers, and I have no doubt the segment will emerge from this crisis with flair and innovation. But this will not be a swift return to business as usual.
IT'S TIME TO TURN CRISIS INTO OPPORTUNITY
Jeffrey Young, CEO & Founder of Allegra Group, explains in issue 124 how technology, locality and quality will win the day for the post-pandemic coffee shop industry
Digital integration will play a major role in the recovery of coffee shops
Coronavirus has temporarily ripped up the rulebook on third-place coffee experiences, and cafe owners must embrace a flexible and customer-focused approach with quality at its core.
With social distancing so ingrained in the public consciousness, it could also be some time before customers feel comfortable venturing out again. Coffee shops will need to utilise digital tools such as click & collect, app-based ordering and delivery to reach the 35% of UK consumers surveyed by Allegra who anticipate remaining uncomfortable in public spaces.
Even before Covid-19 became the main driver of digital tools, Allegra data showed UK consumers were already embracing more streamlined in-store experiences. In February 2020, 53% surveyed indicated they would be happy to use cashless-only payment in coffee shops, with 41% indicating they would be deterred by in-store queues of five or more people.
With social distancing so ingrained in the public consciousness, it could also be some time before customers feel comfortable venturing out again. Coffee shops will need to utilise digital tools such as click & collect, app-based ordering and delivery to reach the 35% of UK consumers surveyed by Allegra who anticipate remaining uncomfortable in public spaces.
Even before Covid-19 became the main driver of digital tools, Allegra data showed UK consumers were already embracing more streamlined in-store experiences. In February 2020, 53% surveyed indicated they would be happy to use cashless-only payment in coffee shops, with 41% indicating they would be deterred by in-store queues of five or more people.
