5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the rise of coffee shop concepts within boutique retail spaces, and speaking with Marcus Sanders, Vice President of Global Food and Beverage at luxury fashion brand Coach.

While best known for its designer handbags, Coach launched The Coach Coffee Shop in 2024 as a way to expand the brand beyond traditional retail. The concept has since grown to more than 20 locations globally and is set for rapid expansion.

In this conversation, we unpack the strategic thinking behind retail cafés, driven by shifting consumer behaviour and a growing demand for experiences, not just products. Marcus also shares how coffee can act as a powerful engagement engine, creating deeper brand connections and serving as an accessible entry point for a new generation of luxury consumers.

Credits music: "XO" by Millie Bushell in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show

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What is 5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality?

A forward-thinking interview series examining the business of progressive coffee culture.

The 5THWAVE Podcast is hosted by Jeffrey Young, Editor-in-Chief of 5THWAVE magazine and Founder of Allegra Group.

Each episode features inspiring stories, business lessons, and thought leadership from the entrepreneurs and industry experts blazing trails to success across the world of coffee.

The podcast will delve into the detail of achieving operational excellence, get to grips with green coffee sourcing and seek out the very best of global coffee culture. We’ll also examine the future of e-commerce and coffee at home, the changing face of cafés and coffee shops, and how to hone winning HR strategies – plus much more.

Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify to listen to all the credits music featured the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/45goieo3qIN1xT9hSGnWeI

Get in touch and tell us what topics you'd like to hear by visiting www.worldcoffeeportal.com/5THWAVEPodcast