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Brian Niccol’s Starbucks turnaround plan

Brian Niccol’s ‘Back to Starbucks’ plan aims to enhance customer experience, reduce wait times, and restore brand identity.

Published

4 months ago

March 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Brian Niccol’s ‘Back to Starbucks’ plan aims to enhance customer experience, reduce wait times, and restore brand identity.

In Short

Brian Niccol has initiated the “Back to Starbucks” initiative to improve customer experiences and counter falling sales. Changes include menu reduction, reintroducing ceramic mugs, and staff training, while facing challenges from competition and ongoing adjustments.

Brian Niccol has implemented significant changes at Starbucks in the past six months, aiming to revitalise the brand.

He launched the “Back to Starbucks” initiative, focusing on enhancing the customer experience in response to challenges such as long wait times and a malfunctioning mobile ordering system.

Global comparable sales dropped by 7% in late 2024 but showed slight improvement with a 4% decrease in early 2025. Experts believe Niccol’s approach is beneficial, specifically in transforming the customer journey.

To create a more inviting atmosphere, Niccol has reintroduced ceramic mugs for in-store customers and self-serve condiment bars. Baristas are encouraged to personalise the service with notes, and customers can now enjoy complimentary brewed coffee refills.

Mobile ordering

To minimise wait times, Niccol has trimmed the menu by 30% and revamped the mobile ordering system, aiming for service within four minutes. Despite the challenges posed by Starbucks’ size, adopting small coffee shop elements can enhance the experience.

Recently, Starbucks announced the layoff of 1,100 employees to streamline operations. Adjustments in staff structures, processes, and the introduction of more seating are also in progress to enhance in-store experiences.

Marketing experts stress that the success of Niccol’s strategy relies on effective execution and training across all locations.

News

Mushroom foraging tours face rising insurance costs

Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.

Published

45 minutes ago

July 11, 2025

Ahron Young

Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.

In Short:
Erin Patterson’s trial for poisoning relatives has raised concerns about rising insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours in Australia, impacting operators like Feresh Pizarro and Natasha Vorogushin. Despite increased premiums, the Insurance Council maintains these changes are not directly related to the trial, highlighting a need for better public education on fungi.

The trial of Erin Patterson, who poisoned three relatives with death cap mushrooms, has affected mushroom foraging tours in Australia.

Operators report rising insurance costs, though the Insurance Council of Australia states these increases are unlikely linked to the trial. Patterson was recently convicted, prompting concerns among tour guides like Feresh Pizarro, who claims her insurance premiums have skyrocketed, threatening her business viability.

She explains the importance of educating the public about fungi, which play significant ecological roles. Similarly, Natasha Vorogushin from Morwell faces challenges obtaining adequate insurance for her foraging workshops, illustrating industry-wide issues.

Insurance costs

Richard Ford, a tour operator in Mount Macedon, also notes high insurance costs looming over his activities. Despite these challenges, the Insurance Council asserts that insurance adjustments often do not arise from perceived risks associated with singular events, such as Patterson’s case.

University of NSW actuarial studies professor Michael Sherris believes that while premiums are rising generally, this specific trial is unlikely to affect the insurance landscape for mushroom foraging.

News

Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

US and Israel push for Gaza ceasefire; Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize amid renewed peace talks.

Published

2 hours ago

July 11, 2025

ticker NEWS

US and Israel push for Gaza ceasefire; Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize amid renewed peace talks.

The United States and Israel have doubled down on regional stability, with hopes rising for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire and an unexpected diplomatic twist: Prime Minister Netanyahu has nominated Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The two leaders met at the White House, discussing peace talks gaining momentum in Qatar, and reaffirming joint military efforts, including Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

#MiddleEastPeace #TrumpNobel #IsraelUS #GazaCeasefire #TickerNews

News

Trump takes centre stage in World Cup build-up

US prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup with $40B impact, 200K jobs; Trump receives 2025 Club World Cup trophy.

Published

3 hours ago

July 11, 2025

ticker NEWS

US prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup with $40B impact, 200K jobs; Trump receives 2025 Club World Cup trophy.

The United States is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it’s more than just a game, $40 billion in economic impact and 200,000 new jobs are on the line.

President Trump received the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup trophy from FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, ahead of the tournament’s final in New York and New Jersey.

The gesture cements Trump’s growing involvement as the U.S. prepares to co-host 104 matches across 16 cities with Canada and Mexico, in what Infantino calls “three Super Bowls a day.”

#FIFA2026 #TrumpWorldCup #USSoccer #ClubWorldCup #TickerNews