Starting May 12, baristas will wear solid black tops, a change from prior practice allowing any color. Baristas can wear their own attire, and Starbucks will provide two shirts from a new company-branded line at no cost.
Also Read: US TikTok users get bombarded with Chinese influencer videos mocking tariffs
In addition, baristas can wear any shade of khaki, black or blue denim bottoms. The prior dress code also allowed gray and brown.
The new rules are part of Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol’s efforts to revitalize the coffee giant. The company is betting that the changes will create a more consistent look across stores as the chain brings back comfortable coffee shops that encourage people to linger — and spend more.
The streamlined dress code will “allow our iconic green apron to shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America,” Starbucks said in a statement Monday.
Also Read: India’s crude import price falls below $70 per barrel, a first since August 2021
A representative for Starbucks Workers United, the union that has organized more than 500 of the company’s roughly 10,000 corporate-run US cafes, criticized the move and called on Starbucks to focus on reaching a collective-bargaining agreement.
“Starbucks is prioritizing a limiting dress code that won’t improve the company’s operations,” Jasmine Leli, a barista and union bargaining delegate, said in a statement.
Niccol should “get involved in the bargaining process and hear from us directly on what Starbucks partners actually need to succeed,” she added.
Also Read: Dr Reddy's to cut workforce by 25%; high-salaried workers to be impacted: Report
Starbucks’ green apron has been around since 1987, and it’s become such a staple of the brand that baristas are often referred to as “green-apron partners.”
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.