Starbucks announced a bold decision to revise its open-door policy. The Starbucks open-door policy requires customers to make a purchase to stay in its stores or use restroom. It seems Starbucks is not interesting in becoming America’s public restroom anymore. For many Starbucks has always been a go-to spot that offered a quiet ambience, fair coffee, with decent seating.
This however is about to change as Starbucks has announced that it will be revising its open-door policy. This will make it a requisite all to make a purchase in order to stay in its stores or use its restrooms across U.S.
Starbucks’ abolish open-door policy
Starbucks is scrapping a policy that had let anyone hang out at its cafes or use the restrooms without making a purchase. The new rules are part of a larger effort to improve Starbucks’ cafe experience and deter homeless people and non-paying customers. The revised policy shall also include a ban on panhandling, discrimination, consuming outside alcohol and vaping. Starbucks employees will receive training on the new policy.
Starbucks revised restroom policy
The open-door policy was reversed that was put in place after one of Starbucks’s biggest-ever PR disasters. Starbucks had moved to an open-door policy in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Starbucks location in Philadelphia. While they were waiting for a friend, one of them asked to use the restroom and was denied. The situation escalated after the employee called police, leading to a national uproar.
Shortly after that Starbucks announced that anyone who entered its locations would be considered a customer.
Starbucks CEO’s strategy
The new policy announced to stores across U.S. is part of CEO Brian Niccol’s strategy to lure back customers and boost dropping sales. Starbucks shall display the new rules on the store doors.
As per Starbucks spokesperson, the changes are a “practical step that helps us prioritize our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit.” Adding, “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”
Incentives by Starbucks
Starbucks is also trying to incentivize customers to stay in its cafes instead of ordering to-go by giving perks for in-store orders. Beginning January 27, all customers can get one free hot or iced coffee refill served in its ceramic mugs or reusable glasses. Previously, the perk only applied to members of Starbucks’ loyalty program.
Starbucks said the new changes will apply to more than 10,000 company-owned stores in North America. These shall not include licensed stores, such as Starbucks locations in airports or inside Target stores.
