Polygon, Starbucks debuts ‘Starbucks Odyssey’ NFT loyalty program
Starbucks and Polygon are teaming up to deliver a consumer rewards program that provides them with various benefits, exclusive sales and experiences via collectibles. Coined Starbucks Odyssey, the so-called “revolutionary Web3 experience,” will bridge Starbucks coffee lovers into the digital realm through the integration of Polygon’s sophisticated blockchain platform.
The coffee brewing company announced the move on its internal blog today, September 12, highlighting that it will only be available to US-based customers and employees for now. Starbuck did not specify whether more territories would be added to the program, but explained that interested users can join a waiting list today to be among the first to access Starbuck Odyssey.
Polygon, formerly known as MATIC, has been among the most forward-thinking crypto and digital asset firms in its efforts to exploit Web3 ideals, games to make money, and metaverse concepts. Its current CEO, Ryan Wyatt, left YouTube Gaming in February and has since led Polygon in a new direction towards proper scaling and security in what is now considered a crypto winter.
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The blockchain technology company released its own blog post about the partnership, naming specific “coffee experiences” as a key backbone of Starbucks’ loyalty program. These include exclusive events, both digital and in person, as well as artist collaborations, unique merchandise and much more.
Starbucks Odyssey members can simply log into the application and participate in so-called “journeys”, which are essentially challenges and games in the chain, to win a digital collectible “travel stamp”, i.e. an NFT, for said loyalty rewards. It works in the same way as buying coffee, only now put on a digital forum and engaged through Web3 activities.
Starbucks’ executive vice president, Brady Brewer, expressed excitement about the new loyalty program, calling it “uniquely Starbucks.” He adds:
“By integrating into the Starbucks Rewards ecosystem and basing the experience around coffee, connection and community, we’re entering the Web3 space differently than any other brand, while deepening our members’ connection to Starbucks. Our vision is to create a place where our digital communities can come together over coffee, engage in immersive experiences and celebrate the legacy and future of Starbucks.”
Each reward, or NFT token, will also have its own specified value based solely on rarity. They can even be bought and sold across the integrated marketplace, awarding points and access to experiences through fundraising. These experiences range from a “virtual espresso martini making class” to “trips to the Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia coffee farm in Costa Rica.”
Starbucks has been running NFT considerations since April, necessitating a new mix of blockchain and consumer interaction. It will be interesting to see how the new rewards program works and finds a suitable way to bridge the coffee experience into the Web3 ecosystem. Those interested in joining the Starbucks Odyssey can sign up for the waiting list here.
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