Starbucks continues to make headlines with their innovative strategies to beat competitors like McCafe, including blending new drinks, adding extra caffeine, and now, offering super cheap iced drinks in the afternoons.
Starbucks will begin offering any grande iced beverage for only $2 after 2 p.m. The catch? They have to provide proof, by showing a receipt, that they got their morning coffee fix from Starbucks (any location.)
Busy Starbucks locations don't have trouble luring patrons in the mornings, but because North America doesn't have an afternoon coffee culture like Europe does, their post lunch sales aren't as strong as they would like.
Cool blended coffees are the best seller in afternoons since most people crave somethings sweet after lunch, and in the summer heat, it's a refreshing alternative. However, until now Starbucks frappucinos and Vivannos have been too expensive for most people around $5, so Starbucks lost many customers to McDonald's and Tim Horton's who offer much cheaper iced coffees.
This is such an innovative idea however, and ensures return customers.
Cheaper Afternoon Coffee
Starbucks $2 Iced Drinks After 2 PM
Trend Themes
1. Cheaper Beverage Promotion - Businesses can improve post-lunch sales by offering promotions on beverages during off-peak hours.
2. Afternoon Coffee Culture - Promoting an afternoon coffee culture can increase sales for coffee shops in North America.
3. Innovative Sales Strategies - Coffee shops can stand out from competitors by creating unique and innovative sales strategies like Starbucks' $2 iced drinks after 2pm promotion.
Industry Implications
1. Coffee Shops - Coffee shops can increase sales and attract new customers by implementing new and innovative sales strategies like Starbucks' $2 iced drinks after 2pm promotion.
2. Fast Food Chains - Fast food chains like McDonald's and Tim Horton's can lose customers to coffee shops if they do not offer affordable and refreshing iced coffee options.
3. Beverage Retail - Beverage retailers can create promotions during off-peak hours to encourage customers to purchase beverages and increase sales.