LONDON, 2015-1-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Starbucks is launching Powermat wireless charging zones in ten central London Starbucks® stores, the first on the high street to offer this technology. Customers simply collect a ‘Ring’ at the till point, connect it to their phone and place their device on tables and counters that have Powermat wireless charging technology built in – clearly marked with a circular ‘Spot’.
According to research, 92 percent of people in the UK experience varying levels of stress if their smartphone battery runs out of power(1). This wireless charging deployment is part of Starbucks continued commitment to investing in digital innovations that improve its customers’ overall in-store experience. Having introduced free Wi-Fi to all UK customers in 2011, Starbucks now hopes to do for wireless power what it did for wireless data: solve a real problem for customers.
“We have always tried to anticipate our customers’ needs and innovate with technology to provide even more convenience,” said Ian Cranna, vp marketing & category, Starbucks EMEA. “Our partnership with Powermat demonstrates Starbucks response to an increasing need to stay connected whilst on the go. We’re delighted to be the first to launch Powermat wireless charging in ten London stores and look forward to customers being able to charge their phones wirelessly in many more stores soon.”
“We are excited to bring Powermat wireless charging to the UK on the heels of our very successful rollout in the San Francisco market,” said Carlo Chiarello, Chief Solutions Officer, Powermat. “As Powermat continues to deploy wireless charging across the United States and expands beyond US borders, Starbucks customers are among the first to benefit from this new convenience and added value.”
The initial ten installations will be available in the following central London stores by the end of January 2015: Princes Street, Kingsway, Wardour Street, Pentonville Road, Harewood Place, Berkeley Street, Great Portland Street, Moorgate, Fleet Street, and Euston Tower. The ‘Powermat Spots’ are wirelessly connected to the Powermat-Network Cloud, providing real-time health monitoring of each Spot and venue, as well as online feedback from the Cloud to the Spots, allowing for immediate monitoring and attention when needed.
For more information on wireless charging in the UK contact:
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 21,000 stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com and www.news.starbucks.com.
About Duracell Powermat
Duracell Powermat is the joint venture between Procter & Gamble’s Duracell brand and Powermat Technologies. Duracell Powermat provides real-life power solutions for consumers both at-home and on-the-go at select retailers and at www.duracellpowermat.com. As part of the Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG), Duracell has been powering people around the world for more than 40 years. Powermat Technologies is a pioneer and leader of the wireless power industry and its technology forms the basis of the open standard set by the PMA – the platform of choice for such global leaders as AT&T, DuPont, Duracell, General Motors and Starbucks. To learn more please visit www.powermat.com.
(1) Telegraph UK technology news
For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.
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