Abstract:
Recently, some netizens posted pictures saying that Starbucks will implement the "you must consume to sit down" rule. The material diagram shown in the picture shows that there is a poster titled "Starbucks "Third Space" Initiative" at the top, and multiple notice boards with "Starbucks Business Space, Please Take Your Seats" are placed below. The materials are still unopened.
Some netizens posted pictures saying that Starbucks will implement the "you must consume to be seated" rule. Picture/Social platform screenshot
Public information shows that Starbucks’ “Third Space” is a multi-functional social and office experience space provided by Starbucks for consumers.
Jipai News visited Starbucks offline stores as a consumer. A staff member said that they had indeed received new regulations on "consumption and seating". "It will be implemented this month and will be implemented in stores across the country from tomorrow (October 20)." The clerk said that consumers are advised to use seats after purchasing in-store products, but the rules are not one-size-fits-all. "Talk delivery staff, people taking shelter from the rain, and people on duty, such as security guards around the store, pregnant women, etc., if they need a temporary rest, they can enter the store to rest without spending any money. We also provide hot water for free."
As for how the regulations will be implemented, the store clerk said that warning signs will be placed in his store. "We will not strictly require consumption. If a customer has already sat down, we will remind you. It also depends on the specific store situation." He said.
Subsequently, Jiupai News consulted the official customer service staff as a consumer, and when asked whether the "consumption seating" rule would be implemented, he responded: "The brand is committed to creating a comfortable 'third space' and hopes to provide a comfortable environment for every customer."
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Starbucks has attracted attention due to its "consumption seat". According to the 21st Century Business Herald, in 2024, Starbucks became a hot topic on social platforms because of a store that persuaded customers who did not buy drinks.
According to a cover news report, in July this year, a netizen posted a video on his personal social platform saying that a Starbucks coffee shop near the northwest corner of Tianjin subway station placed a "Consumer Seating" sign on each table. The video shows that there is a "Please do not bring outside food and drinks" notice on the table.
A "Consumer Seating" sign is placed on the table of a Starbucks in Tianjin. Picture/Social platform screenshot
The material pictures also caused a lot of discussion on social platforms. Some netizens believe that Starbucks has always used "third space" as its brand label, and they are worried that the new regulations will weaken the public leisure attributes of stores and may easily lead to conflicts between customers and stores during the implementation process. Some netizens also expressed support for this, believing that the new regulations can improve the phenomenon of non-consumers occupying seats for a long time and safeguard the rights and interests of paying customers.
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