Starbucks stores are everywhere in Singapore today. But can you guess where Starbucks Singapore first-ever store on the island was? Kudos if you guessed the Starbucks Singapore Store at Liat Towers! You have probably revealed your age on that one. Iconic for its basement location and al fresco seating on busy Orchard Road, this historical store has reopened after a makeover and boasts a new seating layout and a coffee bar, creating a more immersive experience for coffee lovers in Singapore.
Starbucks Singapore First Store – New Renovated Store
While the much-loved outdoor patio-style seating has been retained, the interiors have been given a thorough revamp. The indoor seating arrangement has been rethought to allow for more conducive catch-ups over a cup of coffee. Playing to the theme of an art gallery – an oasis for the busy shopper – the refreshed store will feature a large art wall, with close to 100 cup art designs created by partners (Starbucks baristas) all over the island. These artworks will depict the brand’s strong partner ties and network across the island.
Starbucks Singapore First Store – Milestones Over The Years
Singapore has been an important part of the brand’s international momentum since 1996 and is the second international market (after Japan) that Starbucks expanded to outside of the US. Strategically located along the nation’s renowned Orchard Road shopping belt, Starbucks Liat Towers was one of the few 24-hour cafes available at that time, and the iconic dual-level seating soon became a favourite drop-in venue for Orchard Road dwellers because of its unique specialty coffeehouse experience.
Starbucks first store in Singapore was also a training ground for some of the country’s baristas to cut their teeth – most of whom have grown with the coffeehouse and are currently store managers and district managers across the island.
Today, Starbucks is the undisputed coffee leader in Singapore’s specialty coffeehouse sector and a significant part of the daily coffee ritual for more than 300,000 customers every week. With 23 years of history here, the Liat Towers store has regulars who have patronized the store since its opening and visit every day, and who count the partners family. From morning pep-ups to late night study cramming sessions, and that much needed mid-week feel good Frappuccino, Starbucks and its many localized initiatives has carved a special spot in the hearts of Singaporeans.
Starbucks Singapore First Store – Designing & Evolving Retail Experience
Starbucks has been committed to serving up great experiences alongside its coffee, and in Singapore, the brand has made special effort to make every Starbucks store a part of its community.
The time and heritage of the brand’s time in Singapore shines through its continual redesign of the customer retail and F&B experience, and this store is no different. Other such stores customers can find heritage influences include the Aperia Mall store, featuring gasworks-inspired interiors as a nod to the location’s history, and the I12 Katong store, which features Peranakan textiles and tile designs. Concept stores include the newly-opened Tampines Mall store, a double-storey standalone with glass walls. In recent times, Starbucks has also rolled out Starbucks Reserve™ in select stores, offering handcrafted signature espresso beverages and differentiated interactive experience for coffee enthusiasts.
Starbucks Liat Towers will be open 24 hours daily.
