Over 700 want Ulverston Costa jobs
Last updated at 17:07, Wednesday, 11 July 2012
A NEW Costa Coffee shop is to open in Ulverston – and bosses have already received more than 700 applications for jobs.
Purple World, a franchisee for the national coffee chain, put up a notice in the vacant former Halifax building in Market street advertising the positions.
The company, which already operates nine Costa shops in and around Cumbria, has announced plans to open the new cafe at the end of September.
Alan Rawling, area manager for Purple World, said: “I need to take that sign down – we have had about 750 applications already, which is unprecedented for a coffee shop.”
He said he expects the shop to create 10 or 12 jobs when it opens.
Mr Rawling added: “I think it will raise the profile of the town and it has got a chance of bringing in other big brands.
“Although the name is Costa Coffee, we are not a multi-million pound operation – we are a small independent company who just operate under the Costa name.
“We do make a point of getting to know the local community and help with local charities.”
But while some people will not be welcoming Costa to the town, few see it as a serious threat.
Shirley Gillam, owner of nearby tearoom Gillam’s, said: “The sort of people who come here do not really go to big chains.
“My friend owns Last Resort in Barrow and said the Costa there had no effect on them.”
Paul Wareing, owner of Taste of Cumbria in Market Street, said: “It would be better if it weren’t coming but their costs are a lot more than I charge.”
Councillor Colin Pickthall said there were positives to Costa’s arrival in Ulverston, but stopped short of welcoming the move.
He said: “Costa is a very reputable firm but how they will fit in I do not know.
“The extra bit of competition might finish some places off, I do not know, but it is up to our independents to challenge it.
“Anything is better than big empty shops in a prime position – that is really bad for everybody in the town.”
First published at 16:20, Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
well Helen, One more for you look out for the old stead and simpson what I heard on the grape vine is going to be a toy shop which I believe is another big brand name?
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"Shirley Gillam, owner of nearby tearoom Gillamâs, said: âThe sort of people who come here do not really go to big chains."
*Puts hand up* Actually I do, I also like Gillam's/Mad Hatter's Tea Room, should also point out that we have 'tea' rooms in Ulverston not specific coffee shops so I think it will fit in very well. I can rarely get into some of the tea rooms as it is when they're busy, find them too cramped to accommodate toddlers when they're rammed. So large comfy sofas and steaming hot coffee suits me.Posted by Ulverston Resident on 17 July 2012 at 19:41