Pret A Manger faces significant backlash from its coffee subscription customers after announcing changes to its popular deal. Starting in September, Pret will switch from offering five coffees a day for £30 a month to providing five half-price coffees a day for £10 a month, while also discontinuing its 20% discount on food items. The decision has sparked outrage among current subscribers, with many voicing their displeasure on social media and threatening to switch to rival coffee chains. Critics argue that the new model is a "massive, monumental" mistake and an "own goal." Retail expert Natalie Berg defended the change, suggesting that the previous model alienated non-subscribers and that the new, simplified pricing approach would appeal to a broader audience. Berg noted that today's consumers seek immediate value without complex calculations. Despite the backlash, Pret's managing director Clare Clough stated that the move aims to provide better value to the majority of customers who are not subscribers, emphasizing a shift towards more inclusive pricing and rewards.
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