Latest news with #PinkDrink
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Starbucks raises red flag on wrong problem
Starbucks has already taken something with a quirky history - the coffee shop - and brought a level of corporate uniformity to it. That can be a positive as local coffee shops often have poor training, inconsistent recipes and questionable coffee. There are, of course, some amazing local coffee shops, but it's a risk every time you walk into one while Starbucks delivers the same experience no matter where you might be. Related: Starbucks faces huge new rival There's a strong positive in keeping the food and beverage experience at every Starbucks. That brings customers in because they know their latte, Frappuccino, Pink Drink, or anything else they might order will be exactly as expected no matter where they might be. Starbucks (SBUX) CEO Brian Niccol, however, has gone too far in homogenizing the coffee chain's experience. He has instituted a new dress code, which went into effect earlier this month that limits what workers can wear under their green aprons to a solid black shirt and khaki, black, or blue denim pants. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter That's a change from the past when baristas could wear any colored shirt as well as a wider range of pant colors, including brown, navy, and gray. It's a move that removes some of the personality from the chain's workers, which harms the Starbucks experience. Image source: Getty Images While Starbucks is a national chain, its stores are local businesses, part of the community. Baristas build relationships with customers through their personalities. Niccol, and his predecessors, have worked to bring new technology to Starbucks cafes that make it easier to produce drinks. That should, in theory, free up workers to build meaningful connections with customers, Yes, there might be some tiny percentage of the coffee chain's audience that gets offended when a barista used their clothing to express something personal, Most cafe visitors, however, either did not notice or simply noted it as part of the unique person taking care of their coffee order. At my local Starbucks, the guy on the headset at the drive-through greets you with exuberance, and has used a Dracula voice and Grover from Sesame Street at various times. I've seen him in costumes, wearing Christmas gear when it wasn't Christmas, and otherwise expressing himself. He's charming and asks where I have been when I haven't visited in a while. It's a small thing, but he serves as a likable face of the cafe who welcomes people in. More Retail News: After closing stores, Walmart makes a big additionFormerly bankrupt restaurant chain reopens locations, adds new itemPopular breakfast chain goes national with surprising deal Forcing employees who do a difficult, physically intense job to give up some of their personality hurts Starbucks. Coffee is a beverage about connections and connecting with store workers is part of that process. Yes, it's important to deliver a consistent experience, but that should be about coffee and food, not stopping workers from wearing shirts that express their quirkiness, individuality, or even sexuality. While unions representing Starbucks workers think this issue should be collectively bargained, the retail experts who make up the commenting community at RetailWire seem to largely agrees with Starbucks. "Starbucks owns the business; it is up to Starbucks to set the policy. If unions want to set the policy, they should establish their own company. And I actually don't think the request is too onerous, especially when Starbucks are offering free shirts to employees and there is still flexibility in what can be worn," Global Data Managing Director Neil Saunders wrote. Cathy Hotka agrees. "Mandating a black top is an easy ask. Associates can express themselves in any way they want, as long as the top is black. I don't see a problem," she shared. Georganne Bender similarly misses the point. "Every business has the right to implement a dress code that represents their brand. Requiring baristas to wear black shirts under their green aprons is not asking too much," she wrote. That's correct. Starbucks can do it. Paula Rosenblum, however, actually understands the business the coffee company is in. "You know, if a big problem is that your business is commodifying (and Starbucks is) while remaining overpriced, putting every employee in the same clothes just emphasizes the sea of sameness. Eclectic is in. There is nothing eclectic about today's Starbucks," she wrote. "...So I think the focus is all wrong. Sorry." Allison McCabe backs that up. "My big focus at Starbucks is hoping that the coffee I ordered on the mobile app is there and actually IS what I ordered. All for creative expression as long as the job is done well!" she added. Starbucks benefits from its workers being people with personalities, not robots who hand you coffee. Yes, some people just want their drinks with minimal interaction, and that's certainly an experience you can have by ordering through the app. Related: Forget Starbucks, these coffee chains are taking over consumers In a world that's becoming increasingly automated, human interaction and a chance to build connections with customers has actual value. Niccol is seeking to get rid of that because some tiny percentage of customers might be offended by a rainbow shirt or some other subtle personal expression. It's a mistake and Starbucks actually surrendering a competitive advantage. The chain attracts smart workers who often have personalities which help them connect with customers. Dialing that back by making everyone dress the same makes it that much easier for customers to opt to get coffee at the dozens of other drab, soulless chains where workers act like drones. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
9 New Costco Items Worth Grabbing Before Summer Officially Starts
One of the many things to love about Costco is that the big-box chain always has room for a bevy of new items. And, as summer approaches, there's an emphasis on new products that will keep you hydrated, make it much easier to entertain in your backyard or bring your favorite snacks to the beach, and so much more. So, the next time you run into Costco to grab a delicious $4.99 rotisserie chicken for dinner or the new beverage that tastes just like Starbucks' Pink Drink, you should take a moment to check out some of the newer items. Here are Costco's newest food (and food-adjacent) finds to check out on your next grocery run. Related: 17 New Trader Joe's Locations Are Set to Open in 2025—See If Your Town Made the Cut Everywhere you look, there's a new Dubai chocolate treat to buy, and now Costco is getting in on the trend. These viral chocolate bars, which are filled with pistachio butter and kataifi—strands of shredded phyllo dough—are rich and downright delicious. With three filled bars to a pack, there's plenty of chocolate to go around, whether you want to give them as gifts or enjoy them for yourself. Why buy sugar-packed sodas for summer when you can snag some better-for-you Olipop at Costco? These bubbly beverages are touted for probiotic benefits that can lead to better digestive health, and they just so happen to taste good, too. In this variety pack, which you can now snag at Costco, you'll be treated to 15 drinks in total—five cans each of Cream Soda, Classic Grape, and Classic Root Beer. If you haven't tried Olipop yet but want to give it a whirl, this is a great place to start. Consumers love the Dash brand because it produces useful kitchen appliances for a fraction of the price, and this Chef Series Air Fryer Oven is no exception. While this model has been available for purchase via the Dash website and other retailers, Costco members can buy one for around $60 less. Reviewers love that this countertop appliance can be used to air fry, toast, bake, broil, and more, meaning it can whip up everything from homemade banana bread to a rotisserie chicken. As temperatures rise it's important to stay hydrated, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. And while water is one of the most hydrating beverages you can drink, some people just don't enjoy it. Now, you can make hydration fun with these DripDrop Hydration sticks, which are now available in a 40-pack at your neighborhood Costco. Each stick contains flavored electrolyte drink mixes that (when mixed with water) will hydrate you quickly. There's also added nutrition via magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and more. 'So happy DripDrop is finally available at Costco!,' one excited shopper declared. 'These electrolyte sticks are the best tasting ones, and have zero sugar. I use these regularly since I get migraines and can't seem to drink enough water to stay hydrated with my busy life.' Related: This $3 Aldi Snack Was Named 'Product of the Year' by 40,000 Shoppers While smoked oysters may not be on your shopping list, we're here to tell you that they should be, especially since you can now purchase an 8-can pack at Costco. The iron-packed oysters are harvested from the waters of the Pacific Northwest and naturally smoked over hardwood to deliver an unmistakable flavor. Enjoy 'em straight out of the tin, paired with cheese and crackers, or tossed in a bowl of lemony pasta this summer. Plus, since these oysters come in a can, they'll stay fresh for approximately three years. Step up your summer cocktail game with this infuser that can infuse spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with pretty much whatever you like. It has built-in strainers to filter out any seeds or leaves, and can hold up to 40 ounces at once. To use it, simply place fruit, herbs, or botanicals in the glass vessel, add your choice of beverage, and let the ingredients steep. We see strawberry mojitos and jalapeño margaritas in your future! Get a head start on your summer entertaining checklist with this Artstyle Paper Plate & Napkin Bundle. Said bundle includes 50 10-inch paper plates, 50 7-inch paper plates, and 100 three-ply napkins, and each piece is adorned with a colorful mandala design that works for any occasion. The plates are also microwave-safe and cut-resistant, meaning they can handle BBQ favorites like burgers, grilled steak, and more. Costco has plenty of snacks to choose from, including a new Kit Kat variety pack that's now on warehouse shelves. Inside each bag is 100 snack-size Kit Kats in three distinct flavors—milk chocolate, vanilla, and cotton candy, which just so happens to be pale blue. Stick one of these in your kid's lunch, or your own, or stash the bag in the pantry for days when you want just a little sweet treat. Related: Trader Joe's Just Released a New Gluten-Free Version of a Favorite Dessert—and It's Just as Good as the Original It's nearly time to pack up and head to the beach for a day filled with sun and sand. Before you load up the car, however, it's worth taking a trip to your local Costco and checking out the two-pack of Titan Arctic Zone Fridges, which are officially back in stock for summer. Each pack comes with two ice walls and a four-piece leak-proof food container set, meaning your work lunch, beach snacks, or Memorial Day picnic essentials will stay cold (like, really cold) for up to 12 hours. The ice walls—essentially two sheets of ice that cool the food from the bottom and side—ensure that even milk, cheese, and fresh fruit will stay cold for hours. It's no surprise this Costco find has dozens of five-star reviews. 'We buy these lunch boxes every year. Because there are two zipper pockets for the freezer packs, the lunch stays cold all day,' one reviewer shared. 'Uneaten yogurts don't go bad, and you can make your kid turn leftovers from lunch into their afternoon snack. No waste!' Read the original article on Real Simple
