Overseas Study Seminar I:Seattle Study Tour Report -part6 “Visit to Starbucks Headquarters and the Tryer Center Innovation Lab“

On February 13, as part of ABS’s Overseas Study Seminar I, we had the privilege of visiting the Starbucks headquarters and its innovation lab, the Tryer Center, together with our program participants.

We were hosted by Mr Koichi Kitazumi, Project Manager in the Office of the CTO at Starbucks headquarters, and Ms Akiko Netto, Executive Assistant. From ABS, Dean Takamichi Hosoda, Associate Professor Yuta Hirose, Assistant Professor David Nichols, and Assistant Kayoung Kim joined the visit.

Starbucks headquarters, located in Seattle, Washington, serves as the global hub of the company’s management and operations. Founded in 1971, Starbucks has grown into one of the largest coffeehouse chains in the world. The headquarters office is thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration and embodies the company’s commitment to brand strategy, sustainability and innovation. Strategic planning, product development and brand management that support store operations worldwide are driven from this central hub.

The Tryer Center provides an experimental space where employees (referred to as partners) can rapidly test new ideas, evaluate outcomes and iterate improvements. The center hosts prototype testing and cross-functional workshops aimed at enhancing store operations and elevating customer experience. As a mechanism for accelerating field-driven innovation, the Tryer Center plays a vital role in sustaining Starbucks’competitive advantage.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Mr Kitazumi and all those involved for their generous support in making this visit a highly meaningful and enriching learning opportunity. We look forward to further strengthening and expanding the collaboration between ABS and Starbucks.