Can Starbucks Get Out of Its Own Way

 

There comes a time in the lifespan of every restaurant company that they seem to lose focus on the customer or their employees.  At Starbucks they are trying to regain some of that focus by brand messaging Kindness in a consumer-focused interactive participatory way, edified with technology that both Gen Z and Millennials which has become second nature to the digital natives.

According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® is a very good first step in garnering new customers and keeping their ‘future’ customer engaged. We think this could well become another success clue for the brand and retail food industry.

So, as Starbucks says, the world is full of kindness, it just often goes unrecognized with everything else going on. But through its store windows, Starbucks has had the privilege to see partners (employees), customers and communities connect over everyday moments of kindness, in ways both big and small.

Starbucks is recognizing kindness that is all around with a new augmented reality (AR) experience, that launched Tuesday, July 25. Now its time you give Starbucks kindness a try yourself.

Here is how it works, Starbucks is inviting customers to explore the new AR experience and discover notes of kindness, photos, videos, and Kindness Cards that can be shared on social media platforms or via text message.  

·         To access the Web AR experience, which combines a virtual world with the real world, customers can use their phone to scan the QR code located on signs inside their local Starbucks. The experience is also accessible through the Starbucks app, on Starbucks Stories, or visiting kindness.starbucks.com.

 

·         Why is it important to shine a light on kindness? Studies have found that performing acts of kindness improve individual well-being and lead to a significantly more positive mood. However, most people underestimate the positive impact that their kindness will have on themselves and others. From a thoughtful note on your cup to a sincere “thank you” to your favorite barista, even the smallest gesture can have a big impact.

 

·         Starbucks also teamed up with Headspace to create a collection of four new meditations on kindness, in addition to a free 2-month Headspace membership for Starbucks Rewards members (offer valid July 3 - 30).    

Looking for success clues of your own? Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced food marketing and business development ideations. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities, technology, or a new menu product segment.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter