A café boss was 'absolutely shocked' after staff from a nearby Costa Coffee tried to 'poach' his customers.
On Saturday, John Hughes, who owns an ice cream and bubble tea shop in Wirral, was claimed he saw a staff member from Costa Coffee just down the road come towards his coffee shop. The member of staff was carrying items from Costa's new range, which they began to offer customers enjoying his products outside his shop.
John, who has been at Artisan Gelato on Grange Road, West Kirby for more than three years now, said the member of staff made a 'beeline' for his customers before he went outside to confront them.
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He told the ECHO: "I went outside and said what on Earth do you think you're doing? I went inside the shop and asked the manager what do you think you're doing?
"She said 'what's the problem?'. I told them that it's an absolute disgrace. Her answer was 'whatever'.
"The person didn't go anywhere else. She made a beeline straight to me.
"I was absolutely shocked, especially that it was from such a big company. I was overwhelmed at first.
"But when the customers tell me, you must be doing something right for them to be doing that, you feel pride. Shame on them really. I believe people in West Kirby are very loyal. Whatever Costa say I won't accept an apology.
"We had so much trouble last year with the council, my business went bust in October. But the support since I started up again has been absolutely wonderful.
"The customers love independent shops. That's what it's all about."
A spokesperson for Costa Coffee said that on Saturday their team at the West Kirby store were providing samples of their new 'Refresher' range in the local area
A spokesperson for Costa Coffee told the ECHO: "As part of our Summer sampling day, our store teams across the country were out and about in their local communities offering free samples of our new Summer menu. Our team at the West Kirby store were joining in with this activity but we recognise that it may have happened closer to another nearby store than was intended.
"We have apologised to the owner of the business nearby and have reminded our team to be mindful of other community businesses if we have another sampling day in future."
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