Seattle, Washington – Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz recently shared his thoughts on the company’s disappointing quarterly earnings, emphasizing the need to enhance the customer experience at its U.S. stores. Schultz, who has held the position of CEO three times, expressed his concerns in a LinkedIn post, stating the importance of focusing on the customer experience in order to address the company’s decline in performance.

Schultz highlighted the necessity of revamping the company’s mobile ordering and payment platform to deliver on the uplifting experience it was designed to provide. Additionally, he called for a reevaluation of the company’s go-to-market strategy and urged executives to prioritize innovation in their coffee offerings to differentiate themselves in the market.

Furthermore, Starbucks announced plans earlier in the year to upgrade the store experience at new U.S. locations and around 1,000 renovated stores. The enhancements include acoustic dampening baffles in the ceilings to reduce noise levels and adjustable lighting features such as dimmers and power screens on exterior windows to improve the overall visual and auditory experience for customers and partners.

Having a long history with Starbucks, Schultz first joined the company in 1982 and held various leadership positions, including CEO and chairman. Despite stepping down from the Board of Directors in 2023, Schultz maintains a deep connection with the company and its employees, expressing his continued support for the iconic brand and its values.

As Starbucks navigates through its current challenges, Schultz’s insights and recommendations for improving the customer experience and driving innovation are expected to play a crucial role in reshaping the company’s strategy for future success. With a focus on enhancing the in-store experience and adapting to changing consumer preferences, Starbucks aims to regain its position as a leader in the coffee industry under new leadership and strategic direction.