Starbucks, always at the forefront of digital innovation, stopped selling physical music formats three months ago, but to make up for it, the coffee giant has announced a partnership with music streaming service Spotify. The joint venture will link customers to exclusive content.
The chain’s loyalty members will receive access to Starbucks music on Spotify and have input on in-store playlists, among other benefits. The collaboration will launch company-owned stores in the States, followed by Canada and the UK.
In addition, Starbucks’ employees will receive a Spotify Premium subscription.
Currently, the chain has about 10 million loyalty members, while Spotify boasts about 60 million users globally.
“For over forty years, music has played a vital role in Starbucks Third Place experience – inspiring our partners and customers in unexpected ways that have helped to shape the global pop culture. And we are delighted and honored to bring Spotify directly to our customers,” said Howard Schultz, Chairman and CEO of Starbucks, in a release issued yesterday.
“We‘re really making the barista the D.J. here,” added Spotify Boss Daniel Ek, although customers will also be able to suggest songs for the playlist.
