Avoid These Sneaky Starbucks Marketing Strategies

What can be more tempting than the smell of freshly brewed coffee? Many Singaporeans cannot go without a hot cup of joe in the morning. The growing demand for coffee and its varieties increases the popularity of Starbucks. This glistening green mermaid houses products that end up costing more than expected.

Why is that so? Well, you end up spending more money with these marketing tricks.

ALL ABOUT THE AESTHETICS

While I was writing this post, I overheard a group of adolescents complaining how they dislike the potent taste of Starbucks coffee. In spite of this, they liked the look of the coffee cup and the establishment.

You see, Starbucks stores are all about offering aesthetically pleasing designs to catch customers’ attention. It begins with perfect lighting! The food is kept on the best lit area of the store. Drawing more attention is the small items right by the register. Candies, cookies, and nuts may seem affordable at the moment. However, these little things add up! You have to be wary.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Furthermore, stores may rearrange their products to make you notice things that you have not tried before. Do not get me started with the Starbucks Reserve chains with fancier interiors!

SEE WHAT IS TRENDING

One thing is for sure! Starbucks has figured out how to keep their loyal fans happy. As they are constantly creating new twists of old standards, they keep grabbing our attentions. Let me introduce you to the Merlion Frap!

Do you remember the time when the pastel Unicorn Frappuccino stole the hearts of many Netizens? Unfortunately, this limited drink was not available in Singapore. Nonetheless, it was a genius move on a business perspective.

YouTuber thejetsets was intrigued by the pastel drink and decided to ask for a Singaporean rendition. Although the Starbucks baristas were taken aback at first, they eventually warmed up to the idea. They made a pink and orange frappuccino in creamy mango flavor. They called it the Merlion frap! Apparently, it tasted good.

THE ORDERING GAME

Starbucks has a loyalty program, which turns your orders into a game. What are the mechanics of the game? Each card holder needs to get to next level by earning stars (or reward points). Earn a certain amount of stars, and you get any one item (i.e., food or drink) on the menu for free!

Through the Starbucks app, you can find special offers, reload your card, and redeem your points. It is no wonder that many of your co-workers requested a Starbucks top-up on the Yuletide wishlist!

BEAMING CLOSE CALLS

I, for one, enjoy a good slurp of Bubble Milk Tea. I often ask if the size I want is available. In cases when it is not, I choose the closest size with no hesitation. This scenario happens to many people. When it comes to drinks, people usually do not pay attention to the prices than they do with food.

According to Consumer Psychology professor Kit Yarrow, people will choose larger sizes than necessary as they see the costs are too close. For instance, some may order a Venti instead of a Grande.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Starbucks has employed many marketing strategies to make you spend more money. Awareness of these tricks is the first step to mindful spending!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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4 Affordable Places To Haul Korean Fashion

You cannot deny that Koreans paved the way when it comes to fashion-forward streetwear. Aside from looking Instagrammable anytime and anywhere, Koreans wear polished and surprisingly effortless outfits.

As such, Singaporeans have been inspired to embrace the growing trend. The easiest way to acquire K-fashion apparel is to purchase directly from Korean online shops. However, are there other ways to make a Korean fashion haul in Singapore?

With a variety of options, where can you find affordable and minimalist chic K-fashion apparel in Singapore? Read through the list to find out!

#1: ZALORA SINGAPORE

You read that right, one of Singapore’s leading online shops offer K-fashion. As a company, Zalora saw how its regional sales for its Korean fashion and beauty categories doubled every season since 2014. The demand attracted them to carry more Korean labels.

Their goods are either made in Korea or inspired by Korean trends. For instance, you may purchase an adorable blouse for as low as S$8.90.

#2: H:CONNECT

One cannot miss the global presence of H:Connect! It has hundreds of stores in South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and China. It is essentially Korea’s answer to H&M. That being said, it houses a variety of apparel from summer dresses to comfortable jeans.

Drop by the Bugis Junction branch to search for a cute brunch dress!

#3: StyleupK

Looking for the same outfits worn by K-pop idols? Look no further than StyleupK. This online korean fashion shop partners with many korean fashion brands and ships directly from Korea to your home. Also, check out their local Singapore SG instock collection for faster local delivery too! Brands include ADLV, Ambler, Romantic Crown, AQO Studiospace.

#4: TWEE

With its first flagship opening at the heart of Singapore’s shopping hub, Orchard Road has gotten a TWEE-upgrade. TWEE carries both Korean fashion and beauty products. You can only expect vibrant changing room visits as there are over 400 designs suited for both men and women. These collections or designs update every month. Imagine the possibilities that said variety can bring!

Image Credits: facebook.com/OfficialTweeSG

What’s more? You can stock up on SUPERFACE’s beauty must-haves or Korean runway-inspired clothing and accessories.

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Ways To Dine With Theme In Singapore

Whether you believe it or not, themed restaurants and other eateries go way back. Its roots can be traced from the burlesque cabarets of 19th-century Paris. While many concepts are challenging to pull off, many talented people have turned it into reality!

Take the following unique eateries as concrete examples.

FOR THE FANS OF F.R.I.E.N.D.S

The creators of the wildly popular American sitcom FRIENDS were supposed to name the show: “Insomnia Café”. They later kept it simple and picked the title FRIENDS. You see, the fictional characters frequent the nearby café called Central Perk. It is an iconic backdrop for most of their silly and touching moments.

Fortunately for you, you can reenact some of your favorite scenes by dropping by Singapore’s own Central Perk. The prices of their items might discourage most from becoming regulars, but it is something that a fan shall experience once. If the café’s novelty means nothing to you then, you might want to skip this.

Address: Central Perk, 1 Magazine Road, 01-01 Central Mall, Singapore 059567

FOR THE HIPPIE AT HEART

Picture a slate of vintage automobiles decorating a restaurant that is filled with home-style dishes. Words cannot fully capture the hippie vibe, which Kombi Rocks exudes. You have to see it with your own eyes!

Image Credits: fb.com/KombiRocks

Its versatility comes from being a diner, a vintage shop, a rental company, and a museum. The collection of restored cars are available for bookings at weddings and other events.

Address: 66 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545568

FOR THE SUPERHERO GEEK

With the release of Aquaman, I cannot deny the fact that the DC Comics universe has been stepping their game. Fortunately for us, we can immerse ourselves with all its glory by going to the DC Super Heroes Cafe. Choose the dishes that focus on your favorite superhero or villain!

Image Credits: danielfooddiary.com

There are two branches in Singapore including the Marina Bay Sanda and Ngee Ann City outlet. Try the vividly sweet Joker’s Rainbow Freakshow (S$16.90) or the King of Atlantis Crab Leg Aglio Olio (S$26.90).

Address: 391A Orchard Road, #02-13, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238873

FOR THE CAT LOVER

Unless you are living under the rock, you might have encountered the adorable gray cat called Pusheen at least once. Pusheen is an online character created by Claire Belton and Andrew Duff. Since its creation, it has been turned into merchandise and Facebook stickers. Its growing following paved for the first Pusheen-themed eatery in Singapore.

The Pusheen Café is located at Kumoya. It is a Japanese-French café, which offers food without alcohol, pork, and lard. Its menu will feature food designed by the talented @LittleMissBento (Shirley Wong) together with the Kumoya kitchen team.

Image Credits: spot.ph

The Pusheen Café is here for a limited time only. Enjoy their dishes until March 2019! 🙂

Address: Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320

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Try These New Food Twists In Singapore

From Milo-coated chicken to salted egg yolk fries, here are some of the new flavors available in Singapore.

Salted Egg Yolk Fries by McDonald’s

Last Christmas, I discovered that my nephew has been allergic to potatoes. Imagine not being able to eat fries and all its glorious flavors! What’s more? McDonald’s just introduced the Salted Egg Yolk Fries. It takes the trend to another level! Simply upgrade your regular fries by adding S$1.20.

Pandan Ice Cream by McDonald’s

Launched at the same time as the Salted Egg Yolk fries and the Peach Pie (i.e., retails for S$1.40) is none other than the Pandan ice cream. Local-inspired Pandan desserts are now available on the McDonald’s menu. Begin by trying the Pandan Soft Serve Cone, Pandan Twist Cone, or the Pandan ChocoCone. These three retail for about S$1 to S$1.20.

Image Credits: mukahpages.blogspot.com

McDonald’s Sundae or the McFlurry fans will be happy to hear that the Pandan flavor extends to these treats as well. Pandan Soft Serve Sundae costs about S$2. While, the McFlurry is S$3.

Sweet Potato Milkshake by Don Don Donki

Expect nothing but long queues at Don Don Donki, especially with their newly offered Sweet Potato Milkshake (S$4.90). Members can get this unique milkshake at a dollar off. However, you can also collect points and redeem these in-store points for additional discounts.

This drink is available on a limited time only. Head down to their outlets at Orchard Central or 100 AM to enjoy this drink while stocks last!

Milo-Coated Chicken Pops by Flavour Flings

You do not have to cross the Malaysian border to get the hugely popular calorie bomb called the Milo-Coated Fried Chicken. In Malaysia, the spicy fried chicken is coated with the cocoa powder and Milo dip. In Hougang, an eatery called Flavour Flings recently added the Milo-Coated Chicken Pops to its menu. It costs about S$9.90 per plate. This comes with the Sambal Belachan Mayo and Nacho Cheese Sauce.

Does it sound weird to you? Well, it seems that the people of Have Halal Will Travel gave it a resounding thumbs up. Judge it for yourself!

Image Credits: Flavour Flings via facebook.com

The new year 2019 calls for more foodventures! Be bold enough to try at least one of these dishes. 🙂

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Break The Ice With These Money Magic Tricks

To get through the awkward initial phase of a party or a conversation, the ice must be broken!

There are many ways to liven up a party such as playing trivia game, eating appetizers, or asking hilarious questions. How about performing magic tricks? Well, consider using coins to awe the crowd with the following money magic tricks!

COIN BE GONE

You will be needing metal rings, coins, papers, and playing cards for this magic trick. Start by showing a ring, a playing card, and a coin. These items should be placed on the piece of paper. Then, the ring and playing card will be stacked on the top of the coin. When the ring and card are removed, the coin will completely disappear!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

How was it done? The secret to this easy trick is to have an extra sheet of the same paper. Use it to cut a circle following the diameter of the second ring. Then, attach it to the bottom of the second “gimmick” ring. The spectators will believe the coin vanished in thin air. Get the full steps at The Spruce Crafts.

THE MAGIC CLOTH

Although you have a tight budget, it does not matter! You can put on a show with just a cloth and a coin.

Perform a coin vanishing trick anytime and anywhere with the “Magic Cloth”. Simply insert a coin into a piece of cloth or a dramatic red handkerchief. Say your seemingly magical words! In a blink of an eye, the coin will mysteriously disappear.

How can this happen? Well, the coin will be kept in a tiny pocket formed using a rubber band. Full details are here: thesprucecrafts.com.

FINGERS CAN SEE

The last trick is so easy that it can be performed by your blindfolded kid. Have a spectator randomly select a coin from a bowl. Ask this person to write his or her initials on it. Afterwards, command the spectator to whisper something to it for added effect. Let him or her place the coin inside the bowl.

Without looking, you can immediately reach into the bowl and select the marked coin. The secret to this trick is finding a coin with a different texture (i.e., rough or smooth, wet or dry).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

When all else fails, you can purchase a tool to help you fool the audience with your money tricks. Begin your search in Amazon! 🙂

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