SAN FRANCISCO – Starbucks unveiled yesterday Powermat wireless charging in approximately 200 of its stores in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This launch is the first step in Starbucks strategic plan to offer Powermat throughout its U.S. locations, and to explore rollouts in Europe and Asia within the year
“We are thrilled to offer our Bay Area customers the next level of convenience with Powermat wireless charging. This first market installation is a first step towards a national deployment of this amenity in our stores,” said Adam Brotman, chief digital officer at Starbucks.
“We were pleased with the customer response to the pilot tests we conducted over the past two years and we now expect an even greater level of customer satisfaction as we set forth to offer wireless charging capability on a national scale.”
Stores in the San Francisco Bay area are now equipped with ‘Powermat Spots’ – designated areas on tables and counters where customers can place their compatible device and charge wirelessly.
In addition, Starbucks stores are offering Duracell Powermat “Rings” for purchase or loan that instantly upgrade any phone to wireless charging compatibility.
The rings are being offered for in-store purchase at $9.99 and can alternately be borrowed and returned on a per-visit basis.
“The availability of Powermat Spots in Starbucks is transformative for San Francisco Bay residents who no longer have to worry about making it through their day with limited battery power,” said Ran Poliakine, CEO of Powermat Technologies.
“They know that the nearest charge is only as far away as the nearest Starbucks.”
“This endeavor is a critical step in Duracell’s vision to make dead battery anxiety a thing of the past,” said Stassi Anastassov, President of Duracell at Procter & Gamble.
“Smartphones will become more and more sophisticated and power hungry. Duracell has the solution.”
