Starbucks Japan introduces payments pen

Starbucks Japan is now selling pens with built in NFC wallets.

Starbucks Touch: The Pen works with FeliCa technology, which powers the retailer’s popular domestic card system. It is the fourth product in the Starbucks Touch line in Japan, which also includes an NFC-equipped handbag called The Hug.

The pen comes in three colours — black, silver, and white — and they each cost 4,000 yen, including 1,000 yen pre-loaded. Further details here.

Meanwhile, over in China…

Earlier this week, we reported that Starbucks was launching voice ordering and delivery capabilities within Alibaba’s smart speaker, Tmall Genie. Chinese customers can now order beverages and food by using their voice for delivery within 30 minutes, tapping Alibaba’s Ele.me platform.

An exclusive Starbucks-themed Tmall Genie is available through the Starbucks virtual store in China. “This ushers in a new era of digital customer engagement for Starbucks, leveraging groundbreaking digital technology to create an unprecedented experience that elevates our connection with customers to new heights,” said Molly Liu, VP and General Manager, Digital Ventures, Starbucks China.

“We are focused on ensuring that voice ordering is truly personal, and we look forward to offering our customers more convenient moments and new opportunities to engage with us on a single integrated platform as they move throughout the day.”