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. 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.
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