starbucks new chair<\/span><\/p> This is far from the first time Starbucks has employed a cushiony chair in hopes people will stick around and buy more coffee.<\/p>\n In 1996, Starbucks gave a bunch of its stores a makeover in hopes of becoming what the chain describes as the “third place.” The phrase is meant to represent a location people would want to stay between work and home.<\/p>\n As part of the rollout, Starbucks introduced a large purple chair<\/a> in several locations that previously had just featured stool seating. The chairs were a mainstay for the chain until they were phased out in 2008.<\/p>\n “The fabric was easily worn and hard to clean,” the chain gives as a reason for eliminating the purple chair.<\/p>\n In addition to a more comfortable seating option, Starbucks is also testing new ceramic coffee mugs at locations in Los Angeles and New York City.<\/p>\n The new mug has a wider mouth that Starbucks claims “enhances foam and aroma.”<\/p>\n starbucks mugs<\/span><\/p> If everything goes weil with the test run, the mugs will arrive at stores around North America inlate 2026.<\/p>\n Starbucks has not made it clear which locations will get an “uplift” with the new elements. Earlier this year, it was revealed the chain will shutter “hundreds<\/a>” of stores.<\/p>\n Here is a look at what other chains have already committed to closing locations in 2026.<\/p>\n The list of chains that have closed locations or have plans to shutter stores later in 2026 continues to grow at a rapid pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat Happened to Starbucks Purple Chair?<\/h3>\n
READ MORE: 6 Things You Should Absolutely Never Do At a Starbucks<\/a><\/h4>\n
Where Starbucks is Testing New Mugs<\/h3>\n
Chains That Are Closing or Have Closed Locations in 2026<\/h2>\n