Planet Doughnut has announced a strategic shift in its operations, which includes the closure of five stores and a rebranding initiative.
Despite a thriving bakery division, which produces over 10,000 doughnuts daily, Planet Doughnut’s high street locations have faced significant challenges. Managing Director Rob Jones stated, “Despite our best efforts and continued support, one of our franchise partners has made the tough decision to close all four of their Planet Doughnut stores.”
The closures will affect branches in Newcastle-under-Lyme (Staffordshire), Warrington, Widnes (Cheshire), and St Helens (Merseyside). Additionally, the Lichfield shop will be closing following an announcement by company founder Duncan McGregor in March. The Nantwich store closed last year, just under two years after its opening in September 2021.
As part of its rebranding strategy, the company will convert its stores in Shrewsbury, Telford, and Chester into Dipp’d outlets. “Planet Doughnut Bakery will continue to supply all three Dipp’d stores with our doughnuts,” Mr. Jones confirmed.
While the high street presence is being scaled back, Planet Doughnut’s reach across the UK has expanded. “Planet Doughnut Bakery now supplies a long list of stockists from farm shops to garden centres, pub chains, venues, and the country’s largest sporting stadiums,” Mr. Jones explained. “We continue to supply most major wholesalers, meaning that we can deliver to every corner of the UK.”
The company expresses its sympathy for franchisees who have been impacted by the challenging high street trading conditions in recent years. Nevertheless, Planet Doughnut remains committed to its mission of delivering high-quality doughnuts to customers nationwide through an extensive network of wholesale partners.
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