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Business Lunch

Why Starbucks is Ditching Discounts for Premium Drinks

Oct 22, 2024
Starbucks is shifting from discounts back to its premium roots, aiming to attract loyal customers rather than the discount seekers. The discussion reflects on how this strategy resembles moves by other brands like Domino's. The challenge lies in maintaining a high-end reputation while being widely available. There's a push to redefine Starbucks as a community hub, enhancing its role as a 'third place' for socialization. Insights on strategic reinvention and brand integrity are also explored, alongside a humorous take on investment perspectives.
25:08

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Quick takeaways

  • Starbucks is shifting from a discount strategy to a premium offerings model to reclaim its high-end coffee house identity.
  • The company's focus on creating a welcoming environment aims to foster customer loyalty and community interactions, enhancing the overall experience.

Deep dives

Shift from Discounts to Premium Positioning

Starbucks has been facing challenges due to a shift in its customer base, where discount shoppers contribute to low margins and fulfillment issues. Instead of fostering customer loyalty, these shoppers tend to visit for deals rather than returning for regular purchases, leading to declining sales. The new CEO, Brian Niccol, aims to address this by eliminating discounts and focusing on premium offerings, which includes rolling out more seasonal drinks. This strategy seeks to recapture Starbucks' identity as a community coffee house, enhancing brand perception and encouraging customers to stay longer.

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