YET another corporate giant has confirmed it intends to open in Petersfield, as big brand names continue to jostle for position in the town centre. The latest firm to add its name to the growing list of chains appearing in and around the High Street is Costa. Early talks are under way with company executives planning to make the most of the town's "affluent audience". But a Costa spokesman told The Herald that the company was not yet at a stage where it could reveal its planned location within the town. She said: "Petersfield provides a quality, affluent audience with potential Costa customers, and we have had preliminary discussions on opening a store in the area." News of their potential arrival rekindles memories of Caffe Nero opening in The Square in 2004. At the time, it was thought Costa would set up a rival outlet nearby. Now that seems a reality, and East Hampshire District Council's cabinet member for innovation and technology, Guy Stacpoole, hopes it will trigger more and more business activity in the town. He said: "It is a good thing that we are attracting new businesses to the area. From my view, it is an element of the success of our business strategy. "Having new firms opening up creates a better business environment. "There will always be critics who say there are too many national companies coming to the area. I believe in free trade. "There are also grants available through EHDC for independent traders wanting to set up in the town." Retail giant Marks and Spencer confirmed last month it was opening a food store in the High Street when Somerfield moves out. In the last two years, Laura Ashley and Fat Face have occupied prime shopping space in The Square. And rumour has been rife in the town that KFC is looking for a suitable site to open – a claim refuted by the company. Vernon Peake, who fronts Petersfield Marketing Ltd, the volunteer group set up to promote trade in the town, said Costa's new Alton outlet appeared to be thriving. But he highlighted the need for increased trading in the area rather than more places to eat and drink. "We don't really need another coffee shop, we've got Caffe Nero and a lot of other independent coffee houses," he said. "But it seems that towns like this are becoming popular with these companies. "What we really need is more retail in the town."
