Starbucks has announced plans to turn the 23rd and Jackson store into its fifth “community store,” a partnership involving a local charity that receives a portion of the shop’s sales.
Starbucks on 23rd and Jackson
The busy Central District shop will partner with the YWCA’s GirlsFirst and Young Parent programs. These programs will receive 15 cents from each transaction; the donations are expected to reach around $100,000 in the first year. The programs will also have the opportunity to use the store as a platform for their message, which Starbucks hopes will drive customers.
The new partnership will also mean a remodel for the 23rd and Jackson store. They will plan to move the massive in-store mural dedicated to Central District musicians, though Starbucks will preserve it in some way. The renovation will take place in September, and the store will remain open during the process.
Starbucks started its community store program in 2011; the chain hopes to add 45 stores to the program over the next five years.
The Seattle Times, which first broke this story, has more information on the YWCA programs:
The GirlsFirst program offers girls of color after-school activities, summer leadership training, mentoring and internships (including at Starbucks). The Young Parent Program helps people find permanent housing and offers parenting classes, GED tutoring and employment-skills training.