Starbucks, the world-renowned coffee chain, has expanded its reach beyond standalone stores. Now, you can find Starbucks outlets in various grocery stores, providing customers with the convenience of sipping their favorite coffee while shopping. In this blog post, we’ll explore which grocery stores have Starbucks, the services offered, the benefits and downsides of this arrangement, and much more.
Several major grocery stores have Starbucks locations, including Amazon Go, Safeway and its branded supermarkets, Kroger, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, and Publix. These stores offer a variety of Starbucks products and services, although the availability may vary depending on the specific store. It’s recommended to check with the specific store or use the Starbucks store locator for more information.
Grocery Stores with Starbucks Locations
Several major grocery store chains host Starbucks locations, including:
- Amazon Go: Amazon and Starbucks have partnered to create a unique shopping experience where customers can order their Starbucks drinks ahead using the Starbucks app and pick them up in the store without having to check out, thanks to Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
- Safeway: Since 2004, Safeway has partnered with Starbucks to set up coffee shops directly within its grocery stores. This includes all of Safeway’s branded supermarkets such as Acme Markets, Albertsons, Carrs, Jewel-Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw’s, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons.
- Kroger: Starbucks has licensed venues in major retail and grocery stores, including Kroger. Customers can redeem accumulated rewards points and order ahead via the Starbucks app when picking up coffee and treats inside Kroger and similar retail stores.
- Harris Teeter: Since October 1997, Harris Teeter has replaced five of its own coffee bar operations with Starbucks. The supermarket chain plans to continue the partnership with Starbucks, replacing some of its own programs and adding Starbucks to units that have not had a coffee bar previously.
- Hy-Vee and Publix: These are also among the grocery chains that have Starbucks-licensed venues.
The presence of Starbucks in these grocery stores is not just about selling coffee; it’s also about creating an experience that mirrors what customers would get in a standalone Starbucks store.
Services Offered by Starbucks in Grocery Stores
Starbucks offers a variety of services in grocery stores, primarily revolving around providing their coffee products for retail sale. In addition to selling their coffee products, Starbucks has also partnered with Amazon to create an entirely new grocery shopping experience. This partnership led to the creation of Starbucks Pickup with Amazon Go stores. In these stores, customers can order their Starbucks drinks ahead using the Starbucks app, then pick them up their drinks and any other items like salads or sandwiches before exiting the store without stopping to check out, thanks to Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
Starbucks Products in Grocery Stores
Not all Starbucks beverages and products are available at grocery store locations. However, a variety of popular Starbucks drinks and products can be found there. These include ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, ground coffee, whole bean coffee, espresso pods, coffee creamers, cold brew, bottled coffee, and instant coffee.
Starbucks has recently expanded its RTD offerings to include popular drinks such as the Pink Drink and Paradise Drink, which were previously only available in Starbucks cafes. Starbucks also offers other coffee products for use at home such as creamers and hot cocoa.
Operating Hours
The operating hours of Starbucks inside grocery stores can vary and are often dependent on the operating hours of the host grocery store. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the specific operating hours of the Starbucks location you’re interested in, either through the Starbucks store locator on their website or by contacting the store directly.
Payment Options
Customers can use Starbucks gift cards and the Starbucks app at some grocery store locations. However, it’s essential to note that not all grocery store locations may accept Starbucks gift cards or the app for payment.
Benefits and Downsides
Having Starbucks in grocery stores can offer several benefits and downsides for both the company and the customers. While having Starbucks in grocery stores can provide benefits such as increased revenue and convenience for customers, it also presents challenges including potential brand dilution, operational issues, and concerns around employee benefits and rights.
In conclusion, the presence of Starbucks in grocery stores provides a convenient way for customers to enjoy their favorite coffee while shopping. However, the services and products available may vary depending on the specific location and partnership. Therefore, it’s recommended to check with the specific store or use the Starbucks store locator for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any discounts or special offers when purchasing Starbucks at grocery stores?
This depends on the specific grocery store and their ongoing offers. Some grocery stores may include Starbucks products in their weekly deals or offer discounts for loyalty program members. It’s best to check with the specific store for current promotions.
Can I use my Starbucks rewards at grocery store locations?
Yes, you can use your Starbucks rewards at most grocery store locations. However, it’s recommended to check with the specific store to confirm.
Are all Starbucks drinks available at grocery store locations?
Not all Starbucks beverages and products are available at grocery store locations. The offerings can vary depending on the specific location and partnership. However, a variety of popular Starbucks drinks and products such as ready-to-drink beverages, ground coffee, whole bean coffee, espresso pods, coffee creamers, cold brew, bottled coffee, and instant coffee are usually available.
Can I order ahead using the Starbucks app at grocery store locations?
Yes, you can order ahead using the Starbucks app at some grocery store locations, such as Amazon Go and Kroger. However, it’s best to check with the specific store to confirm.
Can I find Starbucks in small, local grocery stores?
Starbucks typically partners with major grocery chains for their in-store locations. Therefore, it’s less common to find Starbucks in small, local grocery stores. However, Starbucks products like ground coffee, whole bean coffee, and ready-to-drink beverages can often be found in the coffee aisle of many grocery stores.
