Readers Letter: Independent Birkdale businesses boosted after shop chain pull free coffee offer

6th November 2023

A coffee giant offering free hot drinks at a popular convince store has pulled their offer, leaving local businesses delighted.

Cafes and bars in Birkdale village have received a small but significant boost to their business after it’s understood Costa Coffee ended their offer of free hot drinks to members, which they could buy at a village centre convenience store.

A businessman who works in Birkdale Village told OTS News the move is ‘small but significant.’

He said: “At first I was annoyed because in this climate a free coffee can go a long way, especially when they’re normally quite expensive from the big chains.

“But I realised it’s a good thing for those local independents who rely on passing trade just as much as they rely on regulars so it will be a good thing for them.

“People like me who were disappointed will instead pop into an independent coffee shop or cafe and spend a little more for what’s probably a better drink at the end of the day.”