Starbucks, the famous American coffee shop chain, is partnering up with Polygon blockchain network to launch its Web 3.0 initiatives called Starbucks Odyssey.
The integration of Web 3.0 technology into the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program will benefit users in a number of ways. It will open up the possibility of immersive coffee experiences and offer access to unique merchandise, artist collaborations, and invitations to exclusive events. With the partnership, Starbucks’ Rewards loyalty program members and US-based employees will also be able to earn and purchase digital collectible stamps as NFTs.
Customers and partners can now join the waitlist to get the first access to the Starbucks Web 3.0 experience, which will be launched later this year.
Starbucks has been dabbling with NFTs and trying to build a unique Web 3.0 experience for users for some time now. In May 2022, Starbucks announced that it will be launching its first NFT collection based on the brand’s “coffee art and storytelling” as a move to attract a new customer segment.
Additionally, as part of the company’s Q3 2022 earnings call on 2 August 2022, CEO Howard Schultz announced that the company will be going big on developing a reward program on Web 3.0 and retaining its young customer base.
“Building Starbucks Odyssey using technology that aligns with our sustainability aspirations and commitments is a top priority. We took a very thoughtful and thorough approach when evaluating which blockchain to utilize and Polygon’s fast, low-cost, and carbon-neutral network is the perfect foundation for our first digital community,” Ryan Butz, VP of loyalty, strategy, and marketing for Starbucks, said in a press release shared by Polygon.
