A HIGH street favorite with more than 2,000 stores across the UK has confirmed the exact date it plans to close one of its branches for good.
Costa coffee has announced that they are pulling down the hatches on another one cafesthat fans have called a “wonderful getaway.”
The popular one coffee chain has closed several stores in recent months.
The chain confirmed to The Sun that its branch in Uppingham closes May 27.
Until then, the site will remain open and function normally.
Caffeine Enthusiasts looking for their fix can visit other nearby branches, including the one at Lands End Way, Oakham.
A spokesperson for Costa Coffee said: “I can confirm that Monday 27 May will be the last day of trading at our Uppingham store.”
They added that branch staff would be moved to other locations.
“Customers can continue to enjoy their favorite Costa Coffee at our nearest store in Lands End Way, Oakham.”
To find your nearest one store or Costa Express machine, you can visit the chain's website.
The Uppingham store has received rave reviews in the past, showing it will be missed by locals who will no doubt be disappointed by the closure.
One said: “Costa Coffee in Uppingham is a lovely retreat for coffee lovers like me.
“The warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with consistently excellent coffee, creates a first-class experience.
“The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, making every visit a pleasure.
“I highly recommend this branch for your caffeine cravings!”
While another wrote: “It's one of the most comfortable places I can have a coffee. The staff are so welcoming and I would recommend anyone to go there.”
A third commented: “Fantastic Costa, friendly staff, quick service…clean…great coffee.”
Costa has closed three of their stores in the past month.
It closed his shop on Chiswick High Road on February 6.
The nearest Costa Coffee for locals is now King's Street Hammersmith.
Costa Coffee on Bruntsfield Place in Edinburgh served its last latte on February 14.
Customers can continue to enjoy their favorite Costa coffee at the nearby store on Morningside Road
The Costa coffee in Erdington, a suburb of Birminghamclosed permanently on March 3.
Costa enthusiasts were devastated by the closures and called for the affected locations to be rescued.
However, it's not all bad news after the chain launched a dozen new locations and drive-thrus in the past year.
A spokesperson for Costa Coffee said: “As the nation's favorite coffee shop, with more than 2,700 Costa Coffee stores across the UK and Great Britain, judgement our storefront.
“We are investing heavily in opening new stores, relocating stores and… to invest in store designs to ensure they are right for the customers and communities they serve.
“Our significant retail investment programs have a positive impact on local economies and communities, creating additional employment opportunities while improving the coffee shop experience for customers.”
Why are retailers closing their stores?
RETAILERS have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as shoppers cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.
High energy Costs and the move to online shopping after the pandemic are also taking their toll, with many high street stores struggling to continue.
The high street has seen a slew of closures in the past year, with more to come.
The number of jobs lost in UK retail fell last year, but 120,000 people still lost their jobs, figures show.
Figures from the Center for Retail Research show that 10,494 stores will have closed for the last time in 2023 and 119,405 jobs will have been lost in the sector.
It was fewer stores than had been lost in recent years, and a decrease from the 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.
The centre's director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.
While some big names on the high street were lost, including Wilko, many major companies had already gone bankrupt before 2022, the center said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.
“The cost of living crisis, inflation and rise in interest rates have prompted many consumers to tighten their belts, causing retail spending to fall,” said Prof Bamfield.
“Retailers themselves have faced rising energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and declining demand, making rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”
Besides Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it went bust, the biggest failures of 2023 include UK Flooring Direct, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.
The Center for Retail Research said most stores were closed as companies tried to reorganize and cut costs rather than face bankruptcy.
However, experts have warned that more bankruptcies are likely this year as consumers tighten their belts and borrowing costs for businesses soar.
According to official figures, about 14% of bankruptcies last year occurred in retail businesses.