God. Tomorrow's it. The final day you can grab that mediocre-but-somehow-comforting coffee at your local Sainsbury's cafe. April 11th marks the end of an era that feels weirdly personal to me.
I literally just found out about this yesterday when my mum texted me all upset. She's been meeting her friend Diane at the Bridgwater Sainsbury's cafe every Tuesday morning since 2019. "Where are we supposed to go now?" she asked. I had no answer.
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The Brutal Morning Announcement
Back in January, Sainsbury's dropped this bomb with that corporate-speak we all hate. Their spokesperson gave us the "difficult decision" line and teh standard "sorry for any disappointment" that feels about as genuine as those fake plants they sell in aisle 7.
What they're really saying: not enough of us were buying those £2.50 coffees and sad-looking scones to justify keeping the lights on.
Instead, they're "exploring future opportunities for the space" - which everyone knows means Starbucks and Gourmet Burger Kitchen are about to move in. Because that's exactly what we need. Another £4.75 latte option.
Why I'm Weirdly Emotional About This
Listen. I know it sounds ridiculous to care about supermarket cafes closing. But these places matter.
Last summer, I was killing time before a job interview and ducked into the Sainsbury's cafe near Cheshire. An elderly gentleman sitting alone asked if I minded sharing his table as it was packed. We ended up chatting for 45 minutes. His wife had died the year before, and he came to the cafe three times a week "just to be around people." Where's he supposed to go now?
These cafes aren't just about food. They're community spaces.
The Bigger Slash-and-Burn Operation
This isn't happening in isolation. Sainsbury's is gutting everything that makes them... well, not just another soulless grocery box.
The patisserie counters? Gone. Those rotisserie chickens that smell amazing? Moving to hot cabinets. The bakery where actual humans hand you bread? Being replaced by self-service machines.
My friend who works at head office (who's probably updating his resume as we speak) says they're cutting 3,000 jobs there too. About 20% of senior management roles are getting axed.
The "We're Broke" Excuse (After Record Christmas Profits???)
Here's what makes me roll my eyes so hard they might get stuck. Sainsbury's just celebrated their "biggest ever" Christmas season. But CEO Simon Roberts is still crying about a "challenging cost environment."
They're aiming to slash £1 billion in annual costs. And they're blaming the October Budget for hitting them with an extra £140 million in taxes.
I spent £78 there yesterday and noticed prices have crept up on basically everything. My regular shopping basket is up about 15% from last year. So... where's all that money going?
Your Last Chance for That Mediocre Toastie
If you're feeling nostalgic or just want to witness the end of an institution, today's your last chance. Head down this afternoon for a final cuppa in those uncomfortable orange chairs.
I might just do that myself.
Adn while you're there, pour one out for all the elderly folks who used these spaces as their social lifelines, the parents with screaming toddlers who just needed five minutes of peace with a cup of tea, and the workers on lunch breaks who could actually afford to eat out at these prices.
Progress, eh?
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Statistics
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
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- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
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How To
How To Understand and Use Credit Cards Wisely
Understanding credit cards involves knowing how they work, including interest rates, fees, and benefits. Choose a credit card that aligns with your spending habits, whether for rewards, cash back, or low interest. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score. Use your card for regular expenses to build credit but avoid overspending; stick to your budget. Regularly check your statements for errors and fraudulent charges. Finally, understand the terms of your card, including rewards expiration and annual fees, to maximize benefits while minimizing costs.
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