The Green Apron Makeover: How Starbucks is Changing Its Look

Starbucks is shaking things up with a new dress code for its baristas. This isn't just about looking good; it's part of a bigger plan to bring customers back to the stores. The company's sales have been dropping for four quarters, the longest slide in years. High drink prices and long waits have turned some customers away. Plus, many stores have unionized, pushing for better pay and working conditions. The new dress code is simple. Starting May 12, baristas in North America will wear solid black tops under their famous green aprons. This change is meant to make the aprons stand out more and create a familiar look for customers. Pants will also see a change, with khaki, black, or blue denim becoming the new standard. This shift is about more than just appearances. It's about giving baristas clearer guidelines so they can focus on making great drinks and connecting with customers. But not everyone is on board with these changes. Workers United, a union representing some Starbucks employees, thinks the company should focus on negotiating fair contracts instead of updating the dress code. They want better staffing, guaranteed hours, and support. Jasmine Leli, a barista and union delegate, has even demanded that the dress code change be put on hold at union-represented stores until bargaining is done. This isn't the first change under CEO Brian Niccol. Earlier this year, Starbucks cut 30% of its menu to speed up service and eliminated 1, 000 corporate jobs. Niccol has also changed the vibe inside stores, restricting restrooms to paying customers and tweaking the company's name to "Starbucks Coffee Company. " He's even brought back old traditions like baristas doodling on cups and self-serve milk and sugar stations. Niccol admits there's still room for improvement, but he's confident Starbucks is on the right track. Only time will tell if these changes will turn things around. The next earnings report will give a better idea of whether these efforts are paying off. It's a lot of change, but Starbucks is hoping it's enough to bring customers back and keep them happy.