Starbucks new dress code for baristas starts Monday
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Starbucks' new dress code has baristas wear solid black tops instead of any color shirt. Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks' employee dress code changes that go into effect Monday "focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine," the coffee giant said.
Why it matters: It's the latest move the Seattle-based company is making to revitalize the brand by returning to its roots.
- Starbucks' comparable sales declined 1% in the quarter, the company said April 29, its fifth consecutive quarterly decline.
The big picture: Under Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol — who joined from Chipotle in September — the company has been making a series of changes under its "Back to Starbucks" plan.
- The company introduced a new code of conduct, free refills and brought back condiment bars in late January after ditching the nondairy milk fee in November.
- In early March, the company removed 13 longtime drinks to simplify its menu as part of the strategy to cut the menu by roughly 30% by September.
Starbucks barista uniform policy
Zoom in: Starbucks says the updated dress code starts May 12 for stores across North America.
- The company said in a a blog post that by updating the dress code it can "deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience" and give employees "simpler and clearer guidance" so they "can focus on what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers."
- A goal is to "create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America," Starbucks said.
Starbucks dress code changes
How it works: Baristas can wear "any solid black short and long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts and any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms."
- Previously, employees could wear any color top and could also wear gray and brown pants.
- Starbucks also said its "making a new line of company branded t-shirts available to partners, who will receive two at no cost – including partner network options."
The other side: Starbucks Workers United, the union that has organized for more than 500 corporate-run cafes since 2021, said on Instagram that Starbucks legally "has to bargain with union workers over changes to policies."
- "At a time when Starbucks is struggling to bring customers in the door, why choose to make our dress code stricter when they should be focusing on staffing and other key focuses?" the union said in the social media post.
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