Raquelle Hunter’s Post

It looks like Starbucks is shifting away from its famous promos and deep discounts, like the “buy one, get one” deals. With inflation still hitting us, they’re focusing more on brand loyalty and premium pricing to stay profitable. This got me thinking: how do we feel about this shift? Is it the right move for brands, or should they prioritize more discounts in tough economic times? Should companies… 1. Focus on premium branding? 2. Keep the deep discounts? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #BrandStrategy #Inflation #Starbucks #ConsumerLoyalty #Poll

Without a doubt, Starbucks’ journey over the past year is one for the marketing textbooks. As the company faced declining sales, former leadership emphasized data-driven, efficiency-focused operations: baristas glued to screens, customers lost in apps, and the cozy coffeehouse feel nearly disappeared. Now, new CEO Brian Niccol—known for turning around Chipotle—has been refreshingly bold about Starbucks’ “drift from its core,” taking strategic steps to restore the brand’s foundation. Here’s what Niccol’s approach reminds us as marketers: ✔ Use transparency to regain trust: By openly addressing this drift, Starbucks is re-establishing its identity around quality, craftsmanship, and community—a vital foundation in times of change. ✔ The need to balance core identity with modern demand: Niccol’s strategy respects Starbucks’ roots as a community coffeehouse while embracing digital convenience, which helps keep legacy customers while attracting new ones. ✔ Empowering frontline teams can be your most powerful strategy: Investing in baristas to deliver quality and create personal connections strengthens a brand’s consistency and loyalty. None of this is even remotely new but it is logical. The question is, is it too late? Even with Niccol’s proven leadership, has Starbucks lost too much of what made it once great and have its customers found those missing components elsewhere for good? This pivot serves as a wake-up call for brands swept up in the recent frenzy of relentless optimization—often driven by aggressive profitability targets. While efficiency and tech can boost growth, they can’t sustain it without authentic customer connection. Profit is crucial, but constantly optimizing for short-term gains risks eroding what made the brand iconic in the first place. Treat your brand like a profit engine, and it’ll lose what makes it memorable. Want loyalty? Bring back the human touch. Niccol’s strategy reminds us that real growth happens when efficiency supports, rather than overshadows, brand connection. #BrandStrategy #Marketing #Starbucks

☕ Starbucks: A Masterclass in Brand Positioning After new CEO Brian Niccol reduced the number of promotions and discounts offered, Starbucks is doubling down on its commitment to elevate the brand's premium positioning. Under Niccol’s leadership, the brand is reestablishing itself as THE premium coffee experience by combining operational efficiency with emotional connection. From eliminating up-charges for non-dairy milk to streamlining the menu and enhancing mobile ordering, every move reflects Starbucks’ commitment to removing friction from the customer journey. But the boldest goal? Serving a brewed cup of coffee in less than 30 seconds. Why does this matter? Because Starbucks isn’t just selling coffee; it’s selling time well spent. This strategy taps into the psychology of the customer experience, specifically the peak-end rule: customers remember the most intense parts of an experience and how it ends. By minimizing wait times and uncertainty, Starbucks ensures every visit reinforces its premium value proposition. For marketers, this is a powerful reminder of the relationship between brand promise and execution. Starbucks isn’t just speeding up service—it’s reinforcing its position as a place where people come to relax, connect, and enjoy. The faster the coffee, the more seamless the experience, and the stronger the emotional bond with the brand. As Niccol puts it, Starbucks is getting “back to Starbucks” by aligning operational goals with brand identity—a lesson every marketer should take to heart. What do you think? How can other brands take cues from Starbucks’ commitment to its premium coffee experience positioning? Let’s discuss! #BrandPositioning #MarketingStrategy #CustomerExperience #Starbucks

Starbucks : a dilution of the brand experience and a waning focus on innovation. What was once a haven for relaxation and community has morphed into a fast-paced, transactional environment. #Insights Increased competition has forced Starbucks to adapt, but perhaps at the expense of its core identity. The Third Place Concept: #Starbucks pioneered the "third place" concept - a space between home and work where people can relax, socialize, and enjoy high-quality coffee. As the world becomes increasingly digital and remote, the importance of physical gathering spaces is evolving. Heather Haddon 's piece on the state of Starbucks is spot on. The once-inviting coffee shop experience has transformed into a chaotic assembly line, thanks in large part to the surge in mobile ordering. The app has undeniably boosted sales, but at a steep cost. Store congestion, overworked baristas, and a decline in customer satisfaction have become the norm. Founder Howard Schultz is acutely aware of the problem, and new #CEO Brian Niccol has a daunting task ahead. Travis Kalanick and his company, CloudKitchens. In a potentially game-changing move, Starbucks and CloudKitchens have partnered to alleviate the in-store chaos. By shifting a significant portion of order fulfillment to off-site CloudKitchens facilities, Starbucks is aiming to: Free up store space: Reduce crowding by eliminating the preparation of to-go orders in-store. Improve barista focus: Allow baristas to concentrate on in-store customers, enhancing the overall experience. Streamline operations: Optimize order processing through dedicated CloudKitchens facilities. While this strategic partnership is still in its early stages, the initial results are promising. By separating the digital and in-store experiences, Starbucks may be able to recapture the magic that once defined the brand. Whether this innovative approach will be enough to truly save Starbucks remains to be seen. However, it's clear that the company is taking bold steps to address its most pressing challenges. #retail #starbucks #cloudkitchens #Retailnews The Wall Street Journal #retailing #strategy #ceo #innovation #Starbucks #Marketing #Brand #Strategy #cmoinsights #Retailnews #Leadership #recruitment

Less Is More: A Lesson from Starbucks Starbucks just made a bold move—simplifying their menu. Why? They want you in and out in under 4 minutes. But there’s more to it than faster lines. Research shows that too many options can actually hurt sales. A 2000 study by Columbia and Stanford tested this in a supermarket: • Day 1: 24 jams on display. • Day 2: Just 6 jams. Which sold more? The smaller selection. When we’re overwhelmed with choices, decision fatigue sets in, and we either walk away or feel less satisfied with our decision. Starbucks understands this. By reducing options, they’re not just speeding up service—they’re boosting conversions. Here’s the takeaway for business owners: ✅ Review your product lineup. ✅ Focus on items with great margins and consistent sales. ✅ Eliminate underperforming options that confuse customers. ✅ Make it easy for them to choose and buy. What’s your “Starbucks latte”? The product or service that drives the most value for your business? #BusinessStrategy #MarketingTips #SimplifyToSucceed

https://lnkd.in/gb85QVam Very interesting to learn about some of the issues that Starbucks is currently facing. Even I sometimes get confused with some of the questions I am asked when ordering a simple cup of coffee. I have always believed that "Simplicity is the key to sustained success". In my opinion, Brian Niccol, as Starbucks' new CEO, will draw from his Chipotle experiences to enhance efficiency and margins. By streamlining the supply chain, implementing advanced technology, simplifying the menu, optimizing store locations, and utilizing data analytics, Starbucks can improve operational efficiency and customer engagement. These strategies could significantly boost profitability and market position, ensuring sustainable growth and better shareholder value.

Starbucks is facing a challenging period with declining sales and shifting consumer preferences. #Starbucks #HowardSchultz #CoffeeChallenges #CustomerExperience #BusinessInnovation https://lnkd.in/g_6adKA6

Mark Ritson recently pointed out something that made me pause. Starbucks' brand positioning. Instinctively, I like Starbucks. They were my first coffee shop of choice. I remember using one near the Barbican as a study spot when I was doing my MBA, a million years ago in 2000, way before they became ubiquitous. I even still have an old loyalty card in my wallet... and that's kind of the point - it is old, bent around the edges and unused. I still buy coffee when I'm up in town. I frequent coffee shops to work in and to hold meetings every week. But I cannot remember the last time I was in a Starbucks... Is this to do with their brand positioning? Based on this article, maybe it is... One to ponder as you sip your coffee, probably not purchased from Starbucks. #MRX #Insights #MarketResearch #MarketingResearch

Starbucks' Success Secrets 👇 It all started back in 1971, in the heart of Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The original store wasn’t even about espresso—just selling high-quality beans and equipment. It wasn’t until Howard Schultz joined in the 1980s and got inspired by Italian coffee bars that Starbucks began its transformation. From there, it was game on. 🚀 🌲 They turned coffee into an experience, creating the quintessential coffeehouse vibe with comfortable seating and a cozy atmosphere. Starbucks isn't just a place to get a caffeine fix; it’s a go-to spot for meeting up, working, or just relaxing. ☕🛋️ 🌲 Then there’s the loyalty factor. Their Rewards program is a masterclass in customer retention, offering everything from free drinks to exclusive discounts, making sure you’re hooked and coming back for more. 💳🥤 🌲 Marketing? Oh, they nailed it. With millions spent on social media, influencer campaigns, and those irresistible seasonal specials, Starbucks keeps the buzz alive and the foot traffic high. 📲🎉 Would you like more brand breakdowns? Follow me for more! 🔍👋 : : #starbuckscoffee #starbuckslove #brandsuccess #bigbrands #startupjourney #startupmindset #socialmediaplan #targetmarket #marketinggoals #onlinestrategy #instagrammarketingstrategy #facebookadsexpert #smallbusinessgrowth #marketingtip #growthmarketing #successsecret #smallbusinessgoals #onlinebusinessowners #growbusinessonline #businessgrow #onlinebusinessgrowth #startupmarketing #digitalmarketingstrategies #digitalmarketingblog #startupgrowth #starbucksusa #starbuckslovers #starbucksdrinks #smallbusinesshelp #marketingtips

Starbucks' Success Secrets 👇 It all started back in 1971, in the heart of Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The original store wasn’t even about espresso—just selling high-quality beans and equipment. It wasn’t until Howard Schultz joined in the 1980s and got inspired by Italian coffee bars that Starbucks began its transformation. From there, it was game on. 🚀 🌲 They turned coffee into an experience, creating the quintessential coffeehouse vibe with comfortable seating and a cozy atmosphere. Starbucks isn't just a place to get a caffeine fix; it’s a go-to spot for meeting up, working, or just relaxing. ☕🛋️ 🌲 Then there’s the loyalty factor. Their Rewards program is a masterclass in customer retention, offering everything from free drinks to exclusive discounts, making sure you’re hooked and coming back for more. 💳🥤 🌲 Marketing? Oh, they nailed it. With millions spent on social media, influencer campaigns, and those irresistible seasonal specials, Starbucks keeps the buzz alive and the foot traffic high. 📲🎉 Would you like more brand breakdowns? Follow me for more! 🔍👋 : : #starbuckscoffee #starbuckslove #brandsuccess #bigbrands #startupjourney #startupmindset #socialmediaplan #targetmarket #marketinggoals #onlinestrategy #instagrammarketingstrategy #facebookadsexpert #smallbusinessgrowth #marketingtip #growthmarketing #successsecret #smallbusinessgoals #onlinebusinessowners #growbusinessonline #businessgrow #onlinebusinessgrowth #startupmarketing #digitalmarketingstrategies #digitalmarketingblog #startupgrowth #starbucksusa #starbuckslovers #starbucksdrinks #smallbusinesshelp #marketingtips