A new Greggs store has officially opened today, representing its inaugural presence in the Kent town centre of Folkestone. This eagerly awaited launch occurs at the site of the former Barclays building, which had remained vacant since June 2023.
Details of the New Greggs Store
Located at the intersection of Sandgate Road and West Terrace, the bakery aims to provide a “modern and convenient” experience for customers. The shop will create 12 new jobs in the local community.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Seating: Both indoor and outdoor options available
Community Impact
Gillian Long, the retail operations director at Greggs, expressed enthusiasm about the new location. She stated that it offers not just jobs but also a fresh space for locals to enjoy their favorite Greggs items.
Situated opposite the vacant Debenhams site, this new branch brings Greggs to the heart of Folkestone, where residents previously had to travel two miles to the nearest store located at a Shell garage in Cheriton.
Expansion Efforts
As part of its ongoing expansion in Kent, Greggs is set to launch additional stores, including one in Whitstable High Street. Neighboring towns Dover and Ashford already host three Greggs outlets each.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive developments, Greggs faces challenges stemming from rising operational costs. Chief Executive Roisin Currie has highlighted the impact of the national insurance hike and rising minimum wages on the company’s financial stability.
Currie emphasized the difficulties of planning in the face of unforeseen cost increases, such as the unanticipated £20 million hit from last year’s national insurance changes.
Currently, Greggs plans to open 120 new shops this year, a reduction of 20 from initial forecasts. Additionally, there may be price increases on select menu items to offset rising costs.
