Is 'Peak Greggs' a reality? The beloved British bakery chain faces a slump in profits and slowing sales, despite its iconic status and beloved treats like sausage rolls and steak bakes. But what's behind this downturn? The answer lies in a perfect storm of economic challenges. The rising cost of living, higher taxes, and labor costs have left consumers cautious, while the popularity of weight-loss treatments has further impacted sales. However, there's a silver lining. Greggs remains optimistic, with CEO Roisin Currie stating, 'I don't believe we've reached peak Greggs.' She believes the company has weathered downturns before and is confident that easing inflationary pressures will boost consumer spending. The bakery chain's resilience is evident in its continued store expansion, with 121 net openings in 2025, bringing the total to 2,739 locations. This year, they aim for another 120 openings, targeting over 3,000 UK shops long-term. The expansion of delivery services and evening trade further supports sales growth. Despite the current challenges, Greggs is adapting to changing customer preferences, extending store hours, and focusing on accessibility. While analysts debate long-term prospects, the company's commitment to growth and innovation suggests that 'Peak Greggs' might just be a distant concern.
