Seattle — Seattle-based Starbucks has started reopening its company-operated stores across the United States. Operating under modified operations and hours, including heightened safety protocols, the company has approximately 85% of stores open now and expects to have more than 90% of stores open by early June.
The company is using its experience in China, where more than 98% of its stores are open and operating under revised protocols, as the foundation for its reopening in the United States amid the continued concerns of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have adapted these protocols for the U.S., and our goal is to exceed the standards outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a safe experience, including heightened emphasis on cleaning and sanitizing protocols in our stores,” says Kevin Johnson, CEO and president of Starbucks.
The coffee company has expanded its service beyond drive-up to include mobile order for contactless pickup, delivery and, in some locations, curbside parking and grab-and-go through the café. To that end, Starbucks is focusing on the safest and more convenient ways for customers to order through its Starbucks App, with expanded features including optimization for curbside pickup, entryway handoff, improved drive-thru experiences and voice ordering through Siri. Additionally, the stores plan to shift to a more cashless experience with mobile device and other no-contact payment forms.
SOURCE: ShoppingCenterBusiness.com