Starbucks adding two new elements to its store uplift program
Starbucks continues to reimagine in-store experience — and now it's adding two new elements to the mix.
With a goal of reclaiming its “third place” identity by making its stores (or “coffeehouses” as Starbucks calls them) more cozy and inviting, the coffee giant has been rolling out changes that include adding softer seating, more layers and textures, improved acoustics and warmer colors. By the end of 2026, some 1,000 coffeehouses will have been refreshed or “uplifted,” the company said, with more to come in the years ahead.
To support its goal, Starbucks is adding two new elements, including a new, cozy lounge chair that will begin appearing in select uplifted and new locations by the end of 2026.
The chair is described as a modern evolution of the stuffed purple armchairs that became iconic in the early 2000s. It has been designed by Starbucks design teams to feel warm, familiar and comfortable, with generous proportions and wide, open arms to accommodate a variety of sitting positions, the company said. The green upholstery is made from performance velvet, making it smooth to the touch and easy to clean.
“All of these elements are in service of a simple idea: comfort makes connection possible,” Dawn Clark, Starbucks senior VP, coffeehouse design and concepts, wrote in a blog on the company’s website.
Mug
Starbucks is also introducing a redesigned ceramic mug. Designed for a better customer and employee experience, the new mugs feature a wider mouth to enhance foam and aroma, plus an easy-to-hold handle. It comes in either classic white or deep green and is available across all beverage sizes.
Inspired by Italian cafe culture and reimagined through Starbucks Seattle maritime heritage, the mug is currently being tested in select Los Angeles and New York City locations. A broader North American introduction planned for later in 2026 and a global rollout beginning in 2027.
“The new lounge chair and ceramic mug are intentional additions to the environments our customers are already experiencing in uplifted locations, elements that enrich everyday rituals and make each Starbucks coffeehouse feel special,” said Clark.
