Aside from the fact that the cup is red with a green logo on it – traditional Christmas colors, I believe – the stores I investigated were filled with holiday touches. From the music they were playing to:
Christmas Blend Coffee – available for purchase in bags…
…and freshly brewed, where I heard people requesting and being served drinks that contained the word Christmas. (That hardly seems like Starbucks is being Grinchy…)
Advent calendars in the shape of Christmas trees were also featured prominently, for those wishing to integrate their favorite coffee brand with their religious celebration:
Ornaments are also available, should you wish to hang some Seattle-based branding from your Christmas tree:
The brand also included some non-denominational tastes of the season, like Gingerbread Loaf and Frosted Snowman Cookies. There’s even a new offering inspired by the all-American holiday: the Thanksgiving Day panini:
And just in case you weren’t satisfied with any of these offerings, a bevy of gift cards at the register captures more ways to give your own special wintry gift message – from a simple “Joy” to the innocuous “Happy Holidays” to the full-on “Merry Christmas.”
I really didn’t want to post about this. I feel like this ridiculous situation has gotten enough press already. But after visiting the stores, I felt that I had to speak out in defense of Starbucks. Now when I hear anyone try to argue that Starbucks has made a misstep, I will have to “ho ho ho” in their face.
~ Denise Blasevick, @AdvertGirl & CEO, The S3 Agency
