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.

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.

  • AncientMariner@lemm.ee
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    6 months ago

    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.

  • XIIIesq@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    You need to take out a mortgage to eat at Pret, Greg’s is much more affordable.

    /End article

    • david@feddit.uk
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      6 months ago

      Yeah, Pret a Manger has a reputation for being expensive and pretentious, whereas Greggs has a reputation for being cheap and unpretentious.

      • Digestive_Biscuit@feddit.uk
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        6 months ago

        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.

        • Aux@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          I live in zone 5 in London. There are zero Prets here, as this area is not fancy enough. But we have two Greggs.

    • addie@feddit.uk
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      6 months ago

      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.

      • Aux@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        Agree. I’m not a fan of Pret. All of the food there is cold and bland. Greggs is a better option.

  • blackn1ght@feddit.uk
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    6 months ago

    I’ve never even been to a Pret, just never see them anywhere.

    That said, Greggs is really overrated.

  • iAvicenna@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    well I like pret more but it’s gotten so expensive that now it resorts to selling half sandwiches.

  • snaprails@feddit.uk
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    6 months ago

    Surely no one can be surprised? Have you seen how many building sites there are in London?