What did Pret boss Pano Christou say about customer spending?

He said customers want great value, but that does not necessarily mean they are looking for the cheapest products.

How are work-from-home habits affecting businesses like Pret?

Early coverage suggests working-from-home patterns, including quieter Fridays in office areas, are continuing to affect demand for food-to-go and commuter-focused businesses.

What is the main business takeaway from Pret's comments?

The main point is that companies may need to focus on delivering perceived value and adapting to changing customer routines, rather than competing on price alone.

Pret boss says value matters more than the cheapest price as work habits shift

Pret A Manger chief Pano Christou says customers are focused on value, but not necessarily on buying the cheapest items. The comments come as changing routines, including working from home on Fridays, continue to influence consumer habits.

Pret A Manger boss Pano Christou says customers are still looking for strong value, but that does not automatically mean they want the cheapest products. His comments, reported in BBC coverage, point to a consumer mindset shaped by tighter household budgets and more selective spending.

The business update also highlights how everyday habits continue to evolve. Early coverage suggests working-from-home patterns, including quieter Fridays in office districts, remain an important factor for food-to-go chains and other city-centre businesses that depend on commuter traffic.

Changing customer habits

Christou's remarks suggest that shoppers are weighing quality and overall value rather than simply choosing the lowest-priced option. That distinction is significant for retailers and hospitality brands trying to balance pricing pressures with customer expectations in a competitive market.

Reports indicate Pret is watching broader shifts in behaviour, from purchasing patterns to office attendance, as it adapts to changing demand. The comments offer a snapshot of how major consumer-facing businesses are interpreting the UK spending environment and the longer-term impact of flexible work routines.

Pret boss says value matters more than the cheapest price as work habits shift

Changing customer habits

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