Introduction:Recently, some Starbucks outlets in Guangdong have launched a "Star Study Room" service, offering air conditioning, free power outlets, and stable Wi-Fi, attracting students preparing for exams and freelancers. Could this thoughtful initiative be rolled out nationwide? Netizens are divided on the issue of seat occupation, and the official response reveals future plans. This article details the service features, real user feedback, and practical considerations.

Recently, several Starbucks stores in the Guangdong region have quietly piloted the "Star Study Room" service, creating a comfortable space suitable for long-term study with a combination of air conditioning, free power sockets, and uninterrupted Wi-Fi. This innovative move quickly sparked discussions on social platforms, with many students and remote workers praising it for solving the pain point of insufficient seating in public spaces. However, some consumers are concerned that it may lead to issues such as seat squatting.

From photos shared by netizens, participating stores post handwritten notices in prominent locations, clearly indicating the provision of free power outlets, stable wireless internet, and constant temperature air conditioning as basic amenities. Some users who have tested the service noted that the long-table areas in certain stores have good lighting and are equipped with complimentary hot water, making them particularly suitable for quiet reading or light work needs.

Notably, this service currently adopts an open management approach—customers do not need to make reservations or pay extra fees. As long as they adhere to basic etiquette (such as avoiding loud noise), they can use the existing tables and chairs in the store. Staff explained that although the study area is not entirely separated from the beverage area, most customers voluntarily maintain a reasonable noise level, with only slight noise during peak hours.

In response to netizens' calls for "nationwide expansion," Starbucks China officially stated that the service is currently only available at selected outlets in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan, including cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, and Beihai. The specific implementation details vary by region. For example, some stores may adjust the number of power outlets due to space limitations. Customers are advised to check local announcements via the official app before visiting.

Industry observers pointed out that this move may reflect a chain coffee brand's extended attempt at the concept of the "third space."According to a 2023 Taiwan coffee market survey, over 62% of student respondents had used coffee shops as study spots.This demonstrates the potential for combining commercial spaces with learning needs. However, some economists caution that long-term seat occupation may affect table turnover rates, suggesting that businesses consider flexible pricing mechanisms to balance supply and demand.

For those interested in trying it out, experts recommend paying attention to three practical points: first, confirm whether the target store is on the pilot list (you can check the latest announcements through Starbucks’ official social media); second, prioritize seats near walls or corners to minimize distractions; and third, bring earplugs to cope with possible ambient noise.

Starbucks China Customer Care Center further explained that all mainland stores currently operate under a direct sales system, but regional operational strategies are determined by local teams, so service content may vary. Future plans will evaluate the possibility of launching similar "interest-based" spaces in other cities based on pilot feedback, such as themed areas like reading corners or light work zones.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.