This October, Starbucks will be bringing its ‘Mobile Order & Pay‘ service to select UK stores.
A new feature of the Starbucks app, which runs on iOS and Android devices, this new service will allow customers to make their order in advance before picking it up from their selected outlet. They will have access to the entire Starbucks menu, and will even be shown highlighted products for specific regions and stores.
The feature is nationwide in the US as of 22nd September, and Starbucks plans to bring it to select company owned stores in the UK and Canada next month.
“Bringing Mobile Order and Pay to our customers is about meeting their needs of convenience and customisation at any time of the day.” said Adam Brotman, Starbucks Chief Digital Officer. “The fact that it also represents the fastest technology application rollout we have ever done is indicative of the strength of our digital ecosystem, how well it has been received by both our customers and store partners and the impact we think it can have on the future of retail.”
Mobile payments have increased dramatically in recent years; the biggest retailers are developing apps or else making their ecommerce sites as mobile friendly as possible to accommodate consumer technology. This new software shows an awareness not only of how customers can be engaged with but how technology can be used to improve the retail experience.
Starbucks also announced today that it plans to extend the new National Living Wage to all of its employees, including those under 25 years old. Another upcoming initiative is its ‘Home Sweet Loan‘ scheme, which will offer interest free loans to employees to pay rental deposits on new homes.
Kris Engskov, President of Starbucks EMEA, said: “These initiatives are two of the ways we are able to support the great people that work with us.”
