There’s an old saying in London – you’re never more than 6ft from a rat and 50m from a Pret a Manger. But the popular high street sandwich chain has struggled in recent years with consumers abandoning ship. With a rising tide of debts, it has now recalled its initial founder, Sinclair Beecham, to the top table in order to steady the ship.
One of its main competitors, Greggs, however has been doing better than ever. So why the huge disparity in the fortunes of these two high street staples? Strong brand partnerships with outlets like Primark, a late-opening store in Leicester Square, and a keenly recognisable brand identity have ensured its continuous rise.
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The contrasts between the two are clear. If both continue down this path, the Northern delight that is Greggs will likely cement itself at the top of the food chain while Pret’s struggles will only worsen.
You need to take out a mortgage to eat at Pret, Greg’s is much more affordable.
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Yeah, Pret a Manger has a reputation for being expensive and pretentious, whereas Greggs has a reputation for being cheap and unpretentious.
Greg’s also have placed on industrial estates, motor ways, town centres, etc. They’ve made it so anybody can easily access them. I can’t even think of any prets near where I live. Probably is but perhaps it blend into the background.
I live in zone 5 in London. There are zero Prets here, as this area is not fancy enough. But we have two Greggs.
Going to go out on a limb here, but I prefer the food from Greggs. Prefer the coffee, prefer the sandwiches, like a steak bake and all the other pastries. So the fact that it’s cheaper and you get served quicker too is an additional bonus.
Agree. I’m not a fan of Pret. All of the food there is cold and bland. Greggs is a better option.
Wonder if it’s something crazy like… Money?
No no, that can’t be it… The laws The laws of capitalism and infinite growth dictate that consumers must have infinite spending power
What’s this “money” you speak of?
I’ve never even been to a Pret, just never see them anywhere.
That said, Greggs is really overrated.
well I like pret more but it’s gotten so expensive that now it resorts to selling half sandwiches.
Surely no one can be surprised? Have you seen how many building sites there are in London?
More enjoyable food at a better price. Not hard. It’s not like the cost of living crisis didn’t exist. Improve your food or make it cheaper.
Not hard.
Man on internet dislikes Pret.
Man?
OP is a penguin.
