Pret A Manger boss reveals changing consumer habits and business strategies

15 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Apr 27

Pano Christou reports a 25% rise in subscription sign-ups, 40% higher-than-expected salad sales, and a £500m writedown in 2024 accounts amid economic uncertainty.
Pret faces challenges from inflation, shifting commuter patterns, and fuel price volatility, but is not currently passing increased costs to customers. Fridays remain quieter as hybrid working persists, impacting city centre store demand.
The company is adjusting store locations and offerings, such as meal deals and healthier options, to match evolving consumer preferences for value, health, and flexibility, while monitoring ongoing economic and geopolitical pressures.

Can Pret's budget subscription and luxury salads coexist without damaging its brand?

Will Pret's sandwich-focused identity become a liability as diners ditch bread for protein?

With heavy losses and soaring costs, how long can Pret avoid raising its prices?

Is Pret's slow pivot to the suburbs fast enough to survive the end of the five-day commute?

How is global conflict now dictating the price of a UK lunch?