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Canary Wharf gets Europe's first Starbucks Express outlet

Time-pressured bankers and financiers in the City of London can now grab a quick cup of coffee at Europe’s first Starbucks Express outlet.

The new store, which opened on Tuesday, features an open layout with a reduced menu and early order point which the US giant says allows customers to order, pay and pick-up faster than in a regular Starbucks cafe.

Express format stores are already in operation in New York, Toronto and Chicago, but this new outlet is the first time that the Seattle-headquartered brand has brought the concept to Europe.

Commenting on the new opening, Rhys Illey who is vice president operations at Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “We recognize some of our customers, especially busy commuters in Canary Wharf, are moving at a fast pace and efficient, high-quality service whatever the time of day.

“We’re excited to bring this unique store format to the UK, the first time for Starbucks outside of the U.S. and Canada. This follows the digital innovations we have rolled out to improve convenience for customers.”

Rotating digital menu boards that change throughout the day and the integration of Mobile Order & Pay, allowing customers to order ahead, are some of the high-tech innovations that the coffee chain has implemented in an attempt to speed up the ordering process.

London already boasts Europe’s first cashless food outlet in Tossed and the capital is something of a hotbed for retail and hospitality brands experimenting with technology to provide quicker and more convenient services to customers.

Now Starbucks is getting in on the act and Iley said that the new store concept is a way of evolving the brand to meet changing customer needs and requirements.

He added: “The new express format is the latest in our evolving store portfolio, which aims to meet the needs of our customers while keeping our baristas at the heart of the customer experience.”

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