SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Starbucks today unveiled 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.”
Powermat Spots comply with the open standard set by the PMA – whose members include AT&T, Blackberry, HTC, Huawei, LG, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Samsung, TI and ZTE – resulting in a growing universe of devices and accessories that will charge seamlessly in Starbucks. Customers who are interested in locating a Powermat-enabled store can visit www.powermat.com to find their nearest location.
About Duracell Powermat
Duracell Powermat is the joint venture between Procter & Gamble’s Duracell brand and Powermat Technologies. Duracell Powermat provides real-life power solutions for consumers both at-home and on-the-go at select retailers and at www.duracellpowermat.com. As part of the Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG), Duracell has been powering people around the world for more than 40 years. Powermat Technologies is a pioneer and leader of the wireless power industry, and its technology forms the basis of the open standard set by the PMA – the platform of choice for such global leaders as AT&T, DuPont, Duracell, General Motors and Starbucks. To learn more please visit www.powermat.com, and follow Powermat via Facebook, and Twitter.
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com. For more information on this news release, contact us.
SOURCE Powermat
