Independent brand BEAR pivots business in an innovative effort to continue trading through COVID-19
Published On Tuesday 9 Jun 2020 by Sticky Beak
See Recent News Articles
There's been no avoiding it - COVID-19 has consumed our lives for the past 3 months and drastically changed the world as we knew it. Schools, shops and restaurants have all been forced to close as the world has been working hard to react and adapt to this 'new normal' ; a normal that is centred around keeping ourselves and each other safe.
It's no secret that the impact of this pandemic has taken its toll on national and international economies, a huge part of which is the hospitality industry. With (rightfully enforced) distancing measures in place, the businesses that are built upon socialising and rely on visitors being allowed and comfortable to do so freely are really feeling the pinch. Many businesses are already preparing to make redundancies and close sites in a desperate effort to survive these unprecedented times - in any case, the entire industry is having to review processes and adapt in various ways in order to continue operating safely.
A great example of a business quickly pivoting their original offering to move with the times is the one set by independent Midlands-based brand, BEAR. The team at BEAR spotted a bright opportunity within these dark and tough times; with all 5 of their coffee house, kitchen & bar sites forced to close, the team at BEAR set to work on reinventing the business in line with the new restrictions.
They began by investing in and growing their office-run web-store from just a selection of 4 products with one order every few weeks, to almost a 1000% increase (and growing) in orders each week. The team have even had to take over a disused stock room in the back of their flagship store in Derby just to keep up with stock and orders! Whilst it is clear that this new venture doesn't solve the immediate issues surrounding rent and the viability of their reduced revenue, it does offer stimulation and hope that there is a future if you can navigate to get there. BEAR has also partnered with other local small businesses such as Harriet's Plants and Kip Candle Co. to expand their retail range and spread the support within the indie community.
Craig Bunting, BEAR's Co-Founder, reflects upon the work that he and his team have been doing to maintain momentum:
"These are testing times and really do form part of the key focus on "Building Foundations" that we set out earlier this year. The strength of our foundations now, more than ever, is essential to ensure we get through and build on the brand that we have all worked incredibly hard to create. We never thought this year would have turned out like this, but with shared optimism and hope from our customers and teams, we have challenged ourselves and where possible have adapted to become a better version of ourselves.
It is great to see communities come together, and indie brands build new relationships with each other to truly innovate within retail and hospitality. We couldn't be more proud to be part of such an incredible industry."
Within the past couple of weeks, BEAR have also launched their own branded Nespresso® Pods. This was a big project that the team had been working on for quite a while, prioritised and completed in reaction to the sudden economic downturn.
With the Government announcements of lockdown rules beginning to ease, BEAR are continuing their pivotal journey and now working on launching their new 'take away only' model which is currently live in Uttoxeter, trialling in Derby, and ready to be rolled out across their other sites in the coming weeks. The focus with this new model is a dialled-down, quick-prep food menu that customers can order at the till and walk away within minutes, along with lavish pre-ordered picnic boxes and their usual delicious drinks range which - of course - includes the Midlands' favourite signature speciality coffees as well as a few tasty new summer treats!
The retail and hospitality industries have been overlapping more and more with pop-up coffee houses appearing within retail stores; could we now be seeing a shift the other way with hospitality sites inviting retail to share their spaces?
Whether you're into Nespresso Pods, home brewing or you just want to place an order for a ready-to-go picnic box to enjoy in the summer sunshine, head to shop.bemorebear.co to take a look at the huge variety of goodies that BEAR has to offer.
| Palm’s VIP launch brings a taste of the tropics to Kelham Island Sheffield’s first Caribbean Garden Bar opened to a full house last week with a packed VIP launch that drew a roll-call of sporting, media and business names. Read The Article | |
| Complimentary alcohol-free pints for designated drivers at Casa and Peak Edge This Christmas Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel have partnered with award-winning alcohol-free brewer Athletic Brewing to reward guests who choose Read The Article | |
| New scone of the month set to bring seasonal flavour to Derbyshire A Derbyshire bakery with over 100 years of family heritage is kicking off a new monthly tradition with the launch of its Maple & Walnut Scone. Stacey’s Bakery, which has Read The Article | |
| The Maynard Becomes The Only Peak District Hotel And Restaurant With Coeliac UK Accreditation Believed to be the Peak District's only hotel and restaurant with this status, the Hope Valley venue doubles down on inclusive Read The Article | |
| BEAR's Festive Menu Has Landed With All the Best Bits of Christmas Dinner, with a Twist BEAR is flipping the traditional Christmas dinner on its head with a brand-new festive Small Plates menu that lets you ditch the boring bits Read The Article | |
| Triple Win For Longbow Venues At The 2025 Westside Bar And Restaurant Awards Independent Peak District hospitality group Longbow Venues has celebrated a remarkable night of success at the 2025 Westside & Southside Read The Article | |
| Harts Hotel & Kitchen in Nottingham Wins Prestigious Good Hotel Guide Cesar Award 2026 Harts Hotel & Kitchen is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a Csar Award 2026 by the Good Hotel Guide, often described Read The Article | |
| Cubana celebrates 25 years at the heart of Sheffield nightlife One of regions best-loved independent venues is celebrating a remarkable milestone this autumn. Life could have been different for Leopold Squares Cubana which celebrates Read The Article | |
| Sheffields newest concept bar set to blend Barbados sun with industrial cool A lush slice of the Caribbean is arriving in Kelham Island at the end of this month as the citys first ever Caribbean Garden Bar opens its doors. With a £500,000 investment, Read The Article | |
| Meet The Derby Restaurant Playing Cupid This November Romance is on the menu at one of Derbys most stylish restaurants, where a Breeze partnership is transforming weekends into First Dates moments. Nicco Restaurant Read The Article | |