Starbucks Smartphone App Opens Up For Canada, Dash Of PayPal Added

BY: 

Dave Forde
August 8, 2012

If you love your cup of java and want it from your local Starbucks there is some good news. The coffee chain recently launched an update to their Android app for consumers in Canada and the U.K. In the U.K. and Canada, users will be able to take advantage of new functionality such as store locator, for example, and they’ll also be able to load up their card and check their balance. And, of course, they can also checkout to make payments. The addition of these countries brings Starbucks’ mobile payments to 14,000 store locations worldwide.
With the new international version as well as the U.S. update, users can now PIN-protect their account. They can also pay and reload their Starbucks Card via PayPal, in addition to being able to reload using any major credit card. The app introduces an improved version of My Starbucks Rewards, too, letting you keep an eye on how close you are to your next free drink. And for regular users, there’s a new homescreen widget that lets you watch your balance, keep track of your star count, access the store locator, and conveniently touch to pay.
While mobile app updates or expansions aren’t always big news, Starbucks is an example of a company that has not waited for the confusion around mobile payments to sort itself out, and has gone ahead in delivering a system of its own. The company has an end-to-end solution with mobile apps, barcode scanners, POS integration, and a loyalty program, which it manages in-house. The system works well enough that even though it’s but one company, it’s managing to whet consumers’ appetites for mobile payments in general.

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Dave Forde


Dave “The Connector” Forde has been involved in the marketing, public relations and technology industry across Canada for over 20 years in various sales and marketing roles, he launched The Connected One network of business sites which connects buyers to the right sellers. Profectio and PR In Canada covers news about the marketing and public relations industry each day helping professionals advance their career and businesses. He also serves as an advisor to a number of businesses across the country. Find Dave on LinkedIn and Twitter.


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