Costa Coffee to close Stockton High Street branch

Costa Coffee will close its store on Stockton High Street in just a few weeks. The cafe has been in the area for 11 years and will close its doors for the last time on May 31. The building is now available for rent at £1,792 per month. A representative from Costa confirmed the closure and mentioned that team members will have the option to transfer to other local branches. Customers can still enjoy Costa coffee at nearby locations, including one just 10 minutes away in Teesside Shopping Park. This closure is part of a larger trend, as several stores in the area are shutting down. WHSmith will also close a branch in Stockton in May. Additionally, NatWest bank is set to close on June 4 as part of a plan to shut 53 locations across the UK. Costa Coffee has seen several closures in recent months, including branches in Lyndhurst and Bridlington. There have been multiple closures in the past year, affecting locations in Buckinghamshire, London, and Birmingham among others. In more recent news, Costa has expanded its self-service drink options, now offering hot tea at some machines in stores. They also faced pushback from customers after removing certain sugary toppings from their frappés to speed up service. Costa Coffee's loyalty program, Costa Club, allows members to earn rewards and get early access to new menu items. After collecting ten stamps, members can receive a free drink.