Starbucks, we all know Starbucks, it's that one place that I can always trust to get a good coffee to perk me up as well as a good time hanging out with friend regardless of which part of Singapore you are at. You may or may not know that there are actually 100 stores in Singapore!
![]( "Starbucks Coffee Since 1971")
I was really glad that I made it to their 100th store opening not just because it's a milestone store but because it is also a "Giveback" store.
What is a "Giveback" store?
This is Starbucks' first store in the market to collaborate with the Autism Resource Centre’s (Singapore) Employability and Employment Center. Through this collaboration, the store has hired six partners from the Autism Resource Centre’s (ARC) program as part of a long-term commitment to work with ARC to train people with autism and equip them with skills necessary for purposeful employment.
The Video
I really love this video that they did for the opening. It's really touching actually. Hope you take a moment to watch this!
More pictures from the launch...
About Starbucks 100th Store...
All store images does not belongs to me. Taken from press kit.
![]()
![]()
![]()
You didn't ask me but...
So basically they are hiring people with autism to be part of the store. Some might argue that they are not the first or even slam it by saying that it is just some marketing or PR stunt to get a good image. To me, regardless of what is the main motive of an organisation but along the way, they are doing good and those who needs it are benefitting it I think that is very important. If it is that "easy" to create such "PR Stunt" I believe everyone can be and should be doing it but why ain't everyone doing it? Thus, I think your argument is invalid.
Mr.Smith, I believe this is going to be a nice place to hangout soon!
I was really glad that I made it to their 100th store opening not just because it's a milestone store but because it is also a "Giveback" store.
What is a "Giveback" store?
This is Starbucks' first store in the market to collaborate with the Autism Resource Centre’s (Singapore) Employability and Employment Center. Through this collaboration, the store has hired six partners from the Autism Resource Centre’s (ARC) program as part of a long-term commitment to work with ARC to train people with autism and equip them with skills necessary for purposeful employment.
The Video
I really love this video that they did for the opening. It's really touching actually. Hope you take a moment to watch this!
 |
| Minister is there for the opening too! That's a big cup to fill. |
 |
| Love this segment where they did a little interview with the staff from ARC. Light-hearted and touching at the same time. |
About Starbucks 100th Store...
All store images does not belongs to me. Taken from press kit.
Located in The Fullerton Waterboat House that was built in 1919, the store is designed with the heritage of this historic building in mind. With a nautical-themed interior and a wall dedicated to showcase the talents of the Pathlight School to raise autism awareness, this space encourages interaction between customers and partners with the first split-bar concept in a Starbucks store in Singapore. Additionally, customers will be able to experience the first dedicated Starbucks® slow bar coffee experience in Singapore, where a Starbucks Coffee Master will be available to introduce and educate customers on how to prepare coffee with one of the three manual brewing methods: Coffee Press, Pour-Over and Chemex.
The Starbucks Fullerton Waterboat House store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. The store is located at 3 Fullerton Road, Street Level, The Fullerton Waterboat House, Singapore 049215.
.JPG "The Starbucks Fullerton Waterboat House") |
| The Spilt Bar |
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG) |
| Dig the nostalgic look. |
.JPG)
.JPG "The Starbucks Fullerton Waterboat House Slow Bar") |
| Slow Bar |
So basically they are hiring people with autism to be part of the store. Some might argue that they are not the first or even slam it by saying that it is just some marketing or PR stunt to get a good image. To me, regardless of what is the main motive of an organisation but along the way, they are doing good and those who needs it are benefitting it I think that is very important. If it is that "easy" to create such "PR Stunt" I believe everyone can be and should be doing it but why ain't everyone doing it? Thus, I think your argument is invalid.
Mr.Smith, I believe this is going to be a nice place to hangout soon!