Tea retailer Whittard’s has returned to the point at which the drink came to England – the Docklands.
Chief executive Mark Dunhill welcomed customers to his new Canary Wharf shop, in Canada Square, earlier this month and discussed his vision for the business, established in 1886.
Mark said: “We think this is the right place for us to be to attract the Canary Wharf customer.
“There are tens of thousands of people here every day walking past the shop who are, or have the propensity to be our customers, and are ready to be woken up to the delights of fine teas and cocoas - we are trying to make the every day special.”
The east London branch is the second concept store the company has opened and aims to attract the discerning clientele of the financial district.
Mark said: “One thing that fascinates me is that tea used to be associated with the middle aged middle class and where I see opportunity for growth is with a younger consumer who spends time in tea and coffee shops and less time in pubs.”
The store is formatted in a ‘try before you buy’ style, with products prominently displayed for customers to personalise their shopping experience.
Store manager Matthew Martin said: “The way I see it, it’s like we are inviting you into our kitchen.
“We can make anything for you to try; it is very personal. We can discuss how the equipment works instead of just seeing it on the shelves.”
He added: “We’re down by the docks where tea would have been brought in. There is no other tea shop in the area and we have so much heritage.
“We might have Chelsea in our name but our very first shop was east so it is nice to return to company roots.”
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