বাংলায় পড়ুন | Researchers and Reporters: Tanjil Fuad Ayesha Akhter |
Would you like to use Starbucks’ restrooms, meet up with friends, or work in a peaceful setting? But what if they give you a free refill of coffee? Can you imagine being ejected from the coffee shop for not placing an order? When you hear this opposing viewpoint, you must be shocked. There’s nothing to be concerned about. You only need to be aware of Starbucks’ most recent policy.
It’s not new; Starbucks has reverted to its previous stance. An international chain of coffee shops has modified its policy. According to the new regulations, those who do not purchase anything will not be permitted to use the cafe or restrooms as of January 27. It means you must place an order before you can use the restroom in an emergency or spend time at Starbucks.
“Back to Starbucks” stratagy
Brian Niccol, Starbucks’s current chairman and CEO, has implemented new policies since assuming his position. In a January 9 announcement, he introduced the policy, claiming it would increase sales, attract customers, and more.
The new decision is said to be a component of Starbucks’ business recovery strategy. Brian Niccol, who formerly managed Mexican fast-food restaurants like Chipotle, is primarily focused on enhancing the customer experience at Starbucks. Customers who don’t follow the new regulations will be ejected from the cafe, or if necessary, the police will be summoned. Customers will only be allowed to sit in the cafe after making a purchase.
Several more incentives for customers are also included in Starbucks’ new policy. Customers will get a complimentary refill of hot or iced coffee once, for instance, if they sit at the outlet and drink coffee. In addition, the new regulations forbid panhandling, smoking, vaping, drug usage, outside alcohol use, and discrimination or harassment at Starbucks. Many see this policy as a “back to Starbucks” tactic, as it was implemented to revive the company’s old customs.
The ‘open door’ policy that has been scrapped
The “open door” policy of Starbucks was implemented not too long ago. The largest coffee chain in the world gave visitors certain perks about seven years ago. The event happened in 2018. Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson, two black males, visited a Philadelphia Starbucks on April 12. They had a business appointment with a third party that they were awaiting. Therefore, they haven’t ordered any food or beverages yet.
One of them needed to go to the bathroom. They hadn’t ordered any food, though, so the store manager asked them to leave. Because they were waiting for another friend, they refused to leave the place. Police subsequently took the two into custody. Critics demanded a boycott after the company was accused of racial profiling after the video of the event went public.
Starbucks eventually apologized to them, as did Kevin Johnson, the company’s former CEO. After the disagreement was settled, the business declared an “open door” policy, allowing customers to sit in the store and use the restroom without placing an order.
Lastly,
The Israel-Gaza conflict caused Starbucks to have a boycott dilemma. To assist the company in turning things around, CEO Brian Niccol was brought on board last year. He is making changes to the retail experience and food in an attempt to revitalize the business. He’s also implemented these additional regulations as part of that. According to the corporation, staff will ask anyone who disobeys the code of behavior to leave, and the new regulations will be posted in every store. Workers can contact the police if needed.
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