Starbucks China: Sit only if you’ve spent
The coffee giant’s new policy turns seating into a transaction.
The story
Starbucks China now requires customers to buy something before sitting, part of a $45 million store experience upgrade. Some exceptions apply.
Source: fortune.com
Our reading
Starbucks China has made it official: you can’t just sit in their cafés unless you’ve bought something. The rule, which applies to 8,000 stores, is part of a $45 million investment in the ‘store experience.’ The company says it’s about making sure seats are used by people who are actually there to spend money. Which is fair, I guess—unless you’re a pregnant woman or someone with mobility issues, who still get priority. But here’s the thing: the company is also investing in more staff during peak hours. So now, not only do you have to buy a drink to sit, you also have to deal with more employees. It’s like a twofer: you’re both a customer and a potential inconvenience.
