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Starbucks revealed on Thursday, Dec. 8, that it has activated the Beta version of its Web3 “Odyssey” loyalty program as well as its NFT community. This is the testing phase for the coffee chain’s highly-anticipated digital experience and will be tried by a select few.
According to CoinDesk, the beta test of this new Starbucks experiential program fuses the brand’s customer loyalty rewards with non-fungible token (NFT) collecting for customers. It was said that reward members would also experience other gamified elements.
A small group of waitlist members will get to experience the Starbucks Rewards program Web3 extension. Some of the coffee chain’s employees will also be allowed access and interact with customers. They can try the "Journeys" interactive function that will allow them to earn "Journey Stamps", which are given in the form of NFTs based on Polygon.
Users will also have a chance to obtain "Odyssey Points" which will give them access to new benefits and experiences that Starbucks is releasing in the future, such as exclusive events and virtual espresso martini-making classes. Trips to coffee farms and Starbucks roasteries are other examples of the events.
In any case, Starbucks Odyssey was first announced in September, and it was described as an extension of the existing Starbucks Rewards program, but this one is powered by Web3 technology. Members will enjoy a lot of new perks and experiences after signing up.
“Starbucks has a history of harnessing emerging technology to innovate on behalf of our customers and making it easily accessible and approachable for the mainstream,” Starbucks’ executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Brady Brewer, said in a press release. “Our innovative spirit and the desire to continuously exceed the expectations of our customers has led to the launch of Starbucks Odyssey.”
The company EVP added, “Starbucks Rewards members are some of our most loyal and engaged customers, and Starbucks Odyssey is our next big innovation in loyalty to recognize, surprise and delight them. The Starbucks Odyssey journey has begun with the beta launch, and we are excited to collaborate with our members and partners, who will help shape the Odyssey experience as we explore together.”
