Caffe Nero has announced plans to open a new branch on the former site of The Factory Shop in Rayleigh High Street. A spokesman for Caffe Nero said: "We will indeed be opening a new Caffe Nero at 60-62 High Street, Rayleigh. "We’re hugely excited to be opening in Rayleigh and can’t wait to welcome the local people in." The new branch will offer handcrafted Italian coffee, a warm neighbourhood atmosphere, and signature blue branding. The Factory Shop closed on March 29, 2025 after 18 years of trading, citing rising business costs, changes to the minimum wage, business rates, and increasing competition.