Starbucks introduced a new feature to the Starbucks Card Facebook® App that makes it possible to buy a friend a treat from Starbucks without ever leaving Facebook. Available in the U.S. and Canada, users of the app now have the ability to load $5 to $500 directly onto a friend’s registered Starbucks Card as a gift. The “Give a Gift” update to the Starbucks Card App takes the honor of being the 100th launched idea from the popular community site, My Starbucks Idea.
retail
IKEA UK is moving from kittens to kitchens—soon after the launch of its feline TV-ad, the global furniture and household goods retailer has released a gorgeous commercial based on Jona Lewie’s 1980-hit “You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties” refreshed by a promising UK group Man Like Me and remixed by producer Arthur Baker as the soundtrack of the advert. The new spot is all about kitchens of all kinds and styles, which are good for various parties, no matter how extravagant they might be.
Starbucks announced the results of its Vote, Give, Grow in-store donation program. Hike for KaTREEna, a non-profit organization whose aim is to replant trees that were lost during the disaster, received the greatest number of votes, which entitles it to the top-valued $50,000 grant. Two other local organizations, Young Leadership Council, which engages young professionals in community projects, and KaBOOM!, whose mission is to create play spaces within walking distance of every child in America, will each receive $25,000 grants.
IKEA, the global furniture and household wares retailer, teamed up with Swedish photographer Carl Kleiner to create a series of photos to feature the new baking book «Hembakat är Bäst» (Homemade Is Best) presented by the company. Unlike other sets of recipes, which are usually illustrated by already cooked meals, the new edition is unveiling the world of ingredients, which are playing ‘the leading role’ in the stills.
Starbucks, an experienced player on a social pitch, is encouraging young Americans to experience the power of spoken words. The coffee company teamed up with The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (The NAACP) to launch the One Nation Spoken Word Showcase Tour, encouraging generation Y to participate in a range of activities, revolving around listening and speaking on a range of themes that focus on self-development and human rights.
IKEA USA announced the launch of The Life Improvement Project, a program designed to educate, inspire and empower people to improve their lives, as well as the lives of others in their community. The national program consists of a range of contests and activities, giving IKEA employees the opportunity to get further engaged in local community initiatives.