Bye‑Bye, Brews: Costa Coffee Closes Its Singapore Chapter
In a move that’s leaving coffee lovers a little more thirsty, the Costa Coffee chain announced that it will shut down every single outlet in Singapore by September 16th. The chain is already halfway through, having closed six of its eight shops over the last three‑and‑a‑half months.
Last‑ditch Stops
The two remaining C&os—one in the lively Holland Village and another at the iconic VivoCity—will bow out on September 7th and September 16th respectively. If you’re a last‑minute latte aficionado, you might want to mark those dates on your calendar.
The Backstory (or lack thereof)
A Costa spokesman told The Straits Times that the decision to exit Singapore dates all the way back to the beginning of 2018. He stopped short of revealing the “why” behind the move, so we’re still in the dark about whether it was due to a bad brew or a strategic pivot.
Good Vibes Still Strong
Despite the shuttering, the company is keen on keeping its roots firmly planted in Southeast Asia, with plans to grow the brand through franchising. “We’re committed to remaining in the South‑East Asia region,” the spokesman affirmed.
Faithful to the Staff
On a more human note, Costa Coffee reiterated that it has been “extremely proactive in supporting our employees throughout this period.” So while the shops are gone, the company seems to want to keep the warm‑hearted messages flowing to its workforce.
Costa Coffee’s Big Move: From Whitbread to Coca‑Cola
What starts as a corporate shuffle quickly turns into a coffee‑flavored house‑warming story. April 2018 had Whitbread announcing it would spin off Costa Coffee and focus on its Premier Inn hotels. Activist investors pushed the agenda, but the plot twists: on September 1, Whitbread sold the brand to Coca‑Cola for a whopping £3.9 billion (S$6.94 billion).
Stomping the Streets of Holland Village
The Straits Times roamed the two‑storey Holland Village outlet that night. The café felt like a quiet brunch spot—only a handful of patrons sipping lattes or buried in books. The vibe? Low‑key, as with a regular Thursday night at a coffee shop.
Shafie’s Take—the 28‑year‑old, local manager—said the lull was expected, not a warning about the imminent shutter. He told us he’d known the news two months earlier at a meeting inside the same outlet, which threw him off a bit.
- He was shocked, but not surprised.
- Costa gave staff training on resume writing and interview skills—preparing them for the closure of all Singapore branches.
- Shafie had previously managed the Changi Airport outlet, moved to Holland Village after that location folded, and although he’d been there only six months, he knew the regulars and promised he’d miss the team.
Customer Reacts
Tan Jia Ching, a 25‑year‑old engineer, stopped by with a friend to catch the coffee before the cut‑off. Frequent caffeine drinker in both China and Malaysia, he felt the closure would slash the coffee brand diversity in Singapore.
“It’s a sad move,” he shared, hoping to keep more options in the city’s coffee scene.
Key Takeaways
- Whitbread spun off Costa Coffee, then sold it to Coca‑Cola for £3.9 billion.
- Costa’s Singapore stores wrap up operations and hone staff for future opportunities.
- The Holland Village branch currently has a calm Thursday vibe—good hint of the cozy, yet unfulfilled, coffee corner.
In the end, Costa Coffee’s big corporate caravan is taking a pause in Singapore, but the cup of joe keeps pouring on elsewhere. Stay tuned—whichever coffee brand you love, the world is still brewing good changes.
Heartbreak in Holland Village: Your Favorite Coffee Spot Is Closing
Ever notice how a coffee shop can feel like a second home? For Mr. Mohamad and his family, the Holland Village outlet has been the place to grab a latte, swap stories, and feel the cosy vibes—about two or three times a week for the past year.
Why This Corner of Little Britain Matters
- Mr. Mohamad, a teacher in his late 30s, is a regular fan of Costa Coffee. He says it’s “one of the better coffee chains.”
- He also enjoys a good cup while visiting family back in Britain, proving that distance only deepens the love for a good brew.
- He’s disappointed that the shop is going to shut down, feeling “saddened” at the loss and lamenting the wave of closures around town.
What Happens Next?
After the Holland Village outlet exits the scene, Mr. Mohamad plans to swing by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. He’s hoping the new spot has the same great mix of vibes and coffee mojo.
So, if you’re a coffee fan, keep your eyes peeled for this change. It’s not just a shop closing; it’s a small chapter ending in the big story of the city’s coffee culture.
