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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright November 2023
Well, well, guys, what a holiday good cheer coming to a Starbucks near you this Christmas season where nothing says "festive" like a buy-one-get-one-free deal served with a side of controversy.
In a bold move to win back customers, Starbucks in Malaysia is featuring hijabi models, proving that nothing says Christmas like a latte and a side of inclusivity.
Amid boycotts in various countries, Starbucks Malaysia seems to have taken a page out of the "How to Distract from Bad PR" handbook. And it really shows how deeply they have thought about this campaign strategy!
Enter the hijabi models, strutting their stuff to entice customers into buying that second cup of coffee they never knew they needed.
But hold on a second – Twitter users are having a field day. Apparently, some find it a tad perplexing that hijabi models are decked out in holiday gear for a celebration they don't even partake in. It's like trying to sell sunscreen in the Arctic – a bit misplaced.
And let's not forget the generosity overload with the buy-one-get-one-free extravaganza. Because, you know, nothing says, "We're sorry for any inconveniences caused by our global presence," like a complimentary cup of coffee expressed the Malaysian way "Buy One Free One!".
As the boycott brigade on social media stands firm, it seems Starbucks is determined to brew up a storm in more ways than one.
Whether it's a sincere effort at inclusion or a marketing ploy gone awry, one thing's for sure – this holiday season, Starbucks is serving up more than just peppermint-flavoured regrets; “Sorry habibi!”
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