So a while back, I highlighted how my local Starbucks had decided on a ‘Truth‘ policy where their food was concerned!
Well somehow they must of found out what I had done because today when I went in, I saw this moment of genius …
To be honest, I don’t think the ‘puff’ they are referring to is nearly as bad as the supposedly ‘less ugly’ one …
… but full marks to them for continuing the trend.
I personally can’t wait to see this philosophy adopted in other areas of their business – like their coffee sizes – which should go something like ‘BIG’, ‘BUCKET’ and ‘SWIMMING POOL’.
Being serious for a moment, I don’t know if Starbucks decided to create an ‘UGLIER CURRY PUFF’ [with chicken] for my benefit or not – but it certainly left a smile on my face which is surely one of the greatest things a brand can do for their customers.
Personally I believe a bit of innocent, mischievous fun can go a long, long way in building loyalty – hell, it is one of the reasons why Virgin is so loved [though it is part of the companies DNA, there is always method to their madness] – I just wish more companies didn’t feel so sick at the thought of demonstrating a sense of personality in how they interact with consumers, because it could make a massive difference to how they are perceived by society.
They probably think it is ‘unprofessional’ whereas I … a focus group of one … wants to spend abit more time with them.
[I should point out that when some companies do try to ‘let their hair down’ a little, they are obviously so petrified, they still come across badly – it’s just they move from bland, cold and soulless to stifled, embarrassing and out of date. Poor sods, ha!]