Starbucks is closing its Odyssey Beta program, marking a big transition away from blockchain rewards for the foreseeable future.
The Seattle-based firm knowledgeable clients of Odyssey’s sunsetting by means of electronic mail and in an update on its FAQ web page.
“The Starbucks Odyssey Beta should come to an finish to arrange for what comes subsequent as we proceed to evolve this system,” the corporate acknowledged.
This system garnered widespread consideration for its integration of blockchain expertise with buyer loyalty initiatives when it first launched in late 2022.
On March 31, it would formally finish.
Members of this system have till March 25 to finish any excellent actions and so-called “journeys” — a reward program of types the place members might earn, purchase, and commerce non-fungible tokens (NFTs) stamps.
The primary NFT assortment was made up of two,000 “Journey Stamps” and sold out inside the first 20 minutes of hitting the market.
Particulars concerning what number of jobs will now be lower are unclear.
In a heartfelt assertion, this system’s group lead shared the private impression of this determination, reflecting on the colourful group constructed round Starbucks and the Odyssey program.
Going by the deal with @NFTbark, they expressed a combination of gratitude and sorrow, grateful for the experiences gained throughout their tenure with Starbucks.
Regardless of the emotional attachment departing more durable, @NFTbark shared an optimistic outlook on going through the uncertainty forward whereas cherishing reminiscences with Starbucks, like having fun with a chilly brew and a birthday cake pop.
Nevertheless, they made it clear that they might not be talking on behalf of Starbucks or concerning the Starbucks Odyssey program additional.
Starbucks: Stamps stay accessible through Nifty
Whether or not Starbucks lives as much as its promise to “evolve” this system stays to be seen. The espresso retailer did pledge one last profit to Odyssey members who’ve achieved Stage 1 standing or larger, which will likely be communicated through electronic mail by the tip of March.
Moreover, the destiny of members’ amassed factors and Odyssey Stamps has been outlined. Factors are set to run out with this system’s conclusion, with no further profit choice intervals deliberate.
Nevertheless, Odyssey Stamps will stay accessible by means of Nifty Gateway, and the Odyssey market will transition to the Nifty market, permitting for continued shopping for, promoting, and transferring of stamps.
Stamps will be withdrawn to an exterior pockets for buying and selling on different platforms. Nevertheless, the devoted Discord server for the Odyssey group will shut down on March 19, although the espresso retailer is exploring new methods to take care of group engagement.
Starbucks isn’t the one main company to drag the plug on its NFT applications. In October 2022, The Vault by CNN NFT market venture ended, because the media outlet ceased promoting digital collectibles.
And in March 2023, Meta introduced that it was “winding down” its work with NFTs on each Fb and Instagram.