Starbucks experiments with cashless store

Starbucks is testing out a cash free store at a location in downtown Seattle. A spokeswoman told The Seattle Times that the store is the only one to go cashless. She did not add how long the experiment will last or whether it will be expanded to other locations. “The test will help us understand how cashless forms of payment may impact our customer experience,” she commented.

The retailer's Mobile Order and Pay service, which lets customers order with their smartphone via Starbucks’ app and avoid queues, has been a big success, even causing congestion at some Stateside locations. Last year, the company reported that payments made via mobile increased to 30% of transactions in US stores. Mobile Order and Pay accounted for 9% of transactions.