Starbucks Korea has announced plans to temporarily shut all of its outlets nationwide next week to allow employees participate in special training following public criticism over a promotional campaign linked to a sensitive period in the country’s history. The coffee chain said its stores will close for three hours on Wednesday afternoon as workers undergo…
Starbucks is rolling out a refreshed afternoon menu in the United States as it looks to attract customers beyond its traditional morning coffee rush. In the coming weeks, the coffee chain will introduce a range of new food and drink options designed for later in the day, including teas, updated energy drinks, matcha-based beverages, and…
Starbucks has agreed to pay more than $35 million to thousands of its New York City workers following a major settlement over claims that the company repeatedly violated local labour laws by cutting hours and failing to provide predictable schedules. City officials said over 15,000 hourly employees will receive $50 for every week worked between…
Target and Starbucks are joining forces this holiday season in a bid to win back cautious consumers and revive slowing store traffic. Beginning Monday, shoppers will find a new Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate available only at Starbucks cafés located inside Target stores – the first holiday beverage collaboration between the two companies. Nearly all of…
Starbucks has announced plans to sell a 60% stake in its China business to private equity firm Boyu Capital in a $4 billion deal, marking one of the largest consumer market transactions in China in recent years. Under the new structure, Starbucks will retain a 40% ownership stake in its Chinese retail operations and maintain…
Starbucks has announced plans to eliminate around 900 jobs in the United States and shut down a number of its worst-performing stores, including some in the UK, as part of a major cost-cutting and restructuring initiative aimed at boosting sales and improving customer experience. The Seattle-based coffee giant said most closures will take place in…
Starbucks has announced plans to phase out its mobile order and pickup-only stores, saying the format fails to deliver the sense of connection that defines the brand. The world’s largest coffee chain operates around 90 such outlets in the US, designed without seating to cater to customers collecting pre-ordered drinks. While the move will not…
Starbucks has announced that corporate employees in the US and Canada will be required to work from the office four days a week beginning this October – or accept a one-time payout if they choose to leave the company. The new directive, which increases the in-office requirement from three to four days (Monday through Thursday),…
Starbucks is phasing out one of its most popular loyalty rewards for eco-conscious customers as part of a broader effort to streamline perks and improve profitability. Starting June 24, the coffee chain will discontinue the 25-star bonus it currently offers customers who bring in personal reusable cups. Instead, those customers will earn double stars on…
Starbucks is updating its barista dress code across North America, introducing a stricter uniform policy aimed at reinforcing its brand image and enhancing the in-store customer experience. Beginning May 12, employees will be required to wear solid black tops beneath the company’s iconic green apron – a shift from the current policy, which allows shirts…
A California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages to a delivery driver, Michael Garcia, who suffered severe burns and nerve damage after a hot beverage spilled on him due to an improperly secured lid. The incident occurred at a Los Angeles drive-through, where Garcia was picking up drinks. According to his…
Starbucks is planning a major menu overhaul, reducing its beverage and food options by about 30% in the coming months as part of a strategy to streamline operations, shorten wait times, and enhance customer satisfaction. CEO Brian Niccol announced the move during the company’s earnings call on Tuesday, though he did not specify which items…
Starbucks is stepping back from its role as an unofficial public space in the U.S., reversing its policy that allowed anyone to linger in its cafes or use restrooms without making a purchase. The new guidelines aim to enhance the customer and employee experience by curbing the use of Starbucks locations as shelters or public…
In a bid to win back customers, Starbucks is reintroducing handwritten names on cups and self-serve stations for cream and sugar. CEO Brian Niccol, who took the helm of the coffee giant in September, announced the initiatives during the company’s recent earnings call. “We’re reintroducing hand-written names and messages to bring back a more personal,…
Starbucks will discontinue its Oleato range of olive oil-infused coffees in the U.S. and Canada starting in early November, as the coffee chain’s new leadership moves to simplify its offerings. The decision follows the appointment of new CEO Brian Niccol, who has promised to streamline the menu to attract customers amid a challenging economic climate….
Three of America’s iconic brands – Starbucks, Nike, and Boeing – are grappling with significant challenges as they aim to restore their standing in their respective markets. With new CEOs in charge, each company is confronting unique obstacles to rekindle the brand loyalty and strength they once commanded. Starbucks’ Brewing CrisisStarbucks’ latest earnings report, released…
Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, has vowed to simplify the company’s “overly complex” menu in a bid to attract customers and boost falling sales. Niccol announced the coffee giant will review its pricing strategy as part of a broader effort to address sluggish performance, particularly in key markets like China, where sales dropped 14% between…
Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, is setting out to return the coffee giant to its roots as a welcoming coffeehouse, addressing concerns over the company’s shift toward a more transactional, tech-driven model. In a letter to employees and customers on his second day in office, Niccol outlined his vision to make Starbucks a “community coffeehouse”…
Starbucks is bringing the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) back to its U.S. menus earlier than ever, starting this Thursday. The fan-favourite fall beverage is returning two days ahead of last year’s schedule, signalling the arrival of the coffee giant’s full autumn lineup, which includes a variety of pumpkin- and apple-flavoured drinks and snacks. The…
Starbucks is facing a drop in sales as customers appear to be resisting the high costs of its popular iced coffees and lemonades. The coffee giant reported a 3% decrease in global sales at stores open for at least a year, with a 2% decline in North America. The number of transactions at these stores…
In a bid to compete in the ongoing value menu wars and attract budget-conscious consumers, Starbucks has unveiled its latest offering – the “Pairings Menu,” combining drinks and breakfast items at discounted prices. Released on Tuesday, the “Pairings Menu” aims to rejuvenate spending and appeal to cost-conscious customers amidst concerns over rising fast-food prices and…
Starbucks has unveiled a sustainable makeover for its plastic cups, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the familiar experience for customers. The coffee chain announced on Thursday a redesigned plastic cup for all sizes of its cold beverages, featuring an innovative design that uses up to 20% less plastic compared to its predecessor. Developed…
Nestlé USA has issued a recall for more than 440,000 metallic Starbucks-branded holiday mugs due to potential risks of overheating or breakage when exposed to microwaving or hot liquids, posing burn and cut hazards. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been 12 reported incidents of the mugs overheating or breaking, resulting…
Starbucks has launched its first cafe with a design focused on providing customers with disabilities a more accessible store experience, signalling a broader commitment to inclusivity in its retail spaces. The coffee giant announced the move as part of its wider inclusivity initiative aimed at designing easily navigable retail spaces for all customers. Under the…
Starbucks is set to introduce its Oleato lineup, featuring extra virgin olive oil-infused drinks, across its US and Canada locations starting Tuesday. The expansion follows a limited launch in select cities last year, despite some customers expressing dissatisfaction with the beverages causing discomfort. Oleato comprises two offerings: an oat milk latte infused with extra virgin…
Global coffee giant Starbucks is facing legal action from the National Consumers League over allegations of deceptive marketing regarding its claims of “100% ethical sourcing” of coffee and tea. The lawsuit, filed in a Washington, DC court, contends that Starbucks falsely represents its commitment to ethical sourcing while engaging with cooperatives and farms involved in…
In a strategic move to tap into the surging demand for coffee in India, Starbucks has outlined plans to open 1,000 stores in the country by 2028, averaging the launch of one new location every three days over the next four years. Currently operating 390 stores in India through a 50% joint venture with Tata…
In a surprising turn of events, coffee giant Starbucks is now under scrutiny for allegedly employing dark patterns in its mobile application, a tactic that consumer advocates claim has contributed to the company amassing nearly $900 million over the past five years. The Washington Consumer Protection Coalition filed a complaint on December 19, accusing Starbucks…
A jury has delivered a verdict in favor of former Starbucks regional director Shannon Phillips, who filed a lawsuit against the company alleging wrongful termination based on her race as a White employee. Phillips, who had been employed by Starbucks for approximately 13 years and managed a region of stores, was fired following the arrest…
Starbucks is making a change to its ice cubes, which has sparked curiosity among its customers. Cold beverage lovers will now find “nugget ice” in their drinks, featuring smaller ice pieces compared to the chain’s current cubes. Ice plays a crucial role at Starbucks, with its iced handcrafted beverages accounting for approximately 75% of sales….
Despite the world’s love of olive oil, people have been leery of Starbucks’ Oleato line from the start. When the olive oil drinks were only available in Italy, many people were already complaining of an appalling top layer of oil. So, naturally, Starbucks bringing its olive oil coffee to the U.S. just made matters worse….
Starbucks plans to open 100 new stores across the UK this year, while investing millions of pounds in upgrading existing cafes. As reported on BBC, it comes as the world’s largest coffee chain reported a big jump in sales in the UK for 2022, continuing its recovery from the pandemic. Last year the firm was…
Starbucks illegally fired six workers in New York state in a pushback against unions, a US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) judge has ruled. As reported on BBC, the judge says the firm committed “egregious and widespread” violations of federal labour law at its stores in cities of Buffalo and Rochester. The coffee chain has…
The world’s largest coffee chain Starbucks says it is launching a line of olive oil-infused drinks in Italy. Chief executive Howard Schultz says olive oil’s “unexpected, velvety, buttery flavour… enhanced the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate.” Starbucks is among the major US businesses that have faced obstacles as they tried to expand into…
