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Totnes has been in the news for being in the top ten most funky places in the world to live and more recently for the blue gnome debacle. Now the little town is in the news for a battle against Coffee giant Costa. Totnes is a town that thrives on individualism and independent retailers so the prospect of putting a multi million pound giant in to the mix to compete with the plethora of small coffee houses in Totnes did not go down well with local businesses.
Much debate, press coverage and a petition of 5749 signatures later Costa has decided to withdraw.
Costa are claiming to be sympathetic to the feelings and needs of the town but from the point of view of a business owner I would say that they are responding to the unsolicited market research they received!
Business basics dictate that with no market there’s no business. Flogging that dead horse is a common mistake amongst inexperienced entrepreneurs but apparently Costa has the wherewithal to avoid that particular pitfall.
Anyway all’s well that ends well and the local Totnes press is claiming that the people of Totnes are now giving Costa a lot of credit as a caring company for backing down gracefully and allowing the small independents to carry on their business in peace.
Totnes is an ancient market town in the centre of Devon between Exeter and Plymouth. There is an unparalleled range of small independent shops, cafes and Restaurants. You can find unique and colourful gifts for friends or family or enjoy a great coffee, not from Costa, or a meal in one of the many restaurants. This is the wonder of the Totnes Shops.
The town is built on the banks of the beautiful river Dart which originates on Dartmoor (of ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’ fame) down to the coast at Dartmouth. The river is home to a wide range of crafts from canoes and kayaks to luxury motor yachts. In the summer it’s possible to take a round robin trip which consists of a boat trip from Totnes to Dartmouth, a steam train ride from Dartmouth to Paignton and finally an open top bus ride from Paignton back to Totnes.
The town also boasts a Norman castle which sits high above the town overlooking the main shopping areas. The castle is now owned by English Heritage and can be visited for a small fee. There’s a great view of the town from the battlements so its well worth a look.
Nearby is the Dartington Hall estate. Dartington hall which was built in the 1300s. The estate grounds and buildings are open to the public for a donation. The gardens and architecture are very beautiful and highly recommended for a visit.
You can get to Totnes from the A38 in Devon or by Train. The town is on the main London Paddington to Penzance line and trains run regularly every day. Why not spend a whole day or a weekend visiting the shops of Totnes and the gardens of Dartington. Have breakfast in one of the hotels or Cafes and Lunch in one of the many fine restaurants.
Totnes certainly has something for everybody... except a Costa coffee shop of course.
