My love for Starbucks has been reignited. Today I'm blogging from the most comfortable Starbucks I've ever been in!
If you've been following me since CustomersAreAlways, you may recall that I have been a big fan of the coffee chain. During my first year of blogging I practically lived in Starbucks. Read more about my Starbucks adventures here...
So fast forward to today and I have to say that Starbucks has definitely stepped up their game. The company has reinvented itself - offering breakfast sandwiches, free Wifi, developed a membership program, value meals are in the works...and now...comfy, cushy couches.
I stepped into the Starbucks in Mission Valley (San Diego) and was taken back by the atmosphere. I was in awe of the decor! A big, comfy couch beckoned me to sit down and just relax as I worked. Drapes decorated tall windows and a stylish area rug added to the ambience.
Oh, but I can't get over this couch!
I'm not the only one experiencing a new and improved Starbucks. Cheryl Tardif shares her own adventure.
P.S. If you're on Twitter, follow @Starbucks!
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Maria, greetings from the snowy north. Glad to hear things are getting better at Starbucks. However, I am not experiencing the same changes here in Toronto Canada.
I recently blogged (http://www.billhogg.ca/blog/category/customer-experience-stories/) about a vist to a local Starbucks where I asked for a copy of "The Green Apron", the book that defines their Values, Mission and Guiding Principles.
I was initially told it was staff only and then quizzed on who I worked for and why I wanted a copy.
Today, I was at the Starbucks at Yonge and Bloor -- the main intersection in Toronto -- and asked the same question. Here the Barista didn't even know what I was talking about. A second Barista overheard and told me that only the Manager had copies.
Is it any wonder that service experiences are slipping when employees don't know what the values are, or don't have access to them easily. Hopefully Starbucks will get this fixed before it's too late.
Hi Bill,
So grateful that you stopped by to share your story!
That is interesting that these employees were either so guarded over their book or didn't even know about it. I came across another post here in which someone had a similar experience (in comments).
This is where management needs to step in and make sure everyone is on the same page. Inconsistently leads to confused and frustrated customers.
Maria, I have yet to go to Starbucks this year. When I do, I'd definitely look for these changes. =)But as it is, there are Starbucks here that are really comfy and less crowded.
Hi Meikah,
I do like this new and updated environment that Starbucks has created. Let's hope now that we can get this same kind of experience in all locations.