Starfish secures consumer PR for Whittard stores

Heritage tea and coffee store Whittard of Chelsea has taken on

Starfish Communications to drive consumer relations for the brand.

Whittard, founded in London in 1886, operates 100 outlets nationwide

selling fine teas, coffees and gifts, and has diversified into selling

'contemporary products'.

Starfish joint managing partner Julien Speed said the aim was to boost

consumer awareness of Whittard: 'Our campaign is designed to drive

footfall in the stores, promote the new image and increase sales.'

Whittard CEO Richard Rose confirmed that a wish to drive sales was

behind the decision to employ a consumer PR agency, as the firm looks to

boost its £35m turnover.

Last year the firm was involved in takeover talks with a number of

bidders despite recording substantial pre-tax losses. Its share-price

dropped in August when Whittard confirmed that none of the bidders had

come up with a satisfactory offer.