Whittard mulling physical and online presence in China
Whittard of Chelsea, a UK tea retail chain, is looking at establishing a physical and online presence in China following growing interest from Chinese tourists and online shoppers. The company reported increased sales from Chinese tourists, as well as a significant number of website visits from mainland China. The trend of the English traditional teatime is thought to be behind this rise in popularity, as afternoon tea becomes a lifestyle phenomenon in China, especially among younger generations. Earl Grey and herbal blends are particularly popular with Chinese consumers. Whittard has undergone major restructuring in recent years, which involved the closure of dozens of loss-making stores. It reported a £1.3 million pre-tax loss last year on a turnover of £28.6 million.