Starbucks has announced the closure of its Odyssey Beta program, marking a significant departure from blockchain rewards in the near future. The Seattle-based company notified customers of the program’s sunset via email and updated its FAQ page accordingly.
“The Starbucks Odyssey Beta program must conclude to pave the way for our next steps as we continue to evolve,” the company stated.
Launched in late 2022, the program initially gained attention for integrating blockchain technology into customer loyalty initiatives. It is officially set to conclude on March 31.
Members of the program have until March 25 to finalize any pending activities and “journeys” — a reward system allowing members to earn, purchase, and trade non-fungible token (NFT) stamps. The first collection, featuring 2,000 “Journey Stamps,” sold out within 20 minutes of its release.
Details regarding potential job reductions resulting from the program’s closure remain unclear. The community lead expressed deep personal sentiments about this decision, highlighting the strong community built around Starbucks and the Odyssey program.
@NFTbark, known for its involvement with Starbucks under the handle, expressed a mix of gratitude and sadness, reflecting on the enriching experiences gained during their affiliation with the company.
Despite the emotional farewell, @NFTbark remains optimistic about navigating future uncertainties while cherishing fond memories at Starbucks, such as enjoying a cold brew or a birthday cake pop.
However, they clarified they would not represent Starbucks or discuss the Odyssey program further.
Starbucks plans to ensure accessibility for stamps through Nifty Gateway, with the Odyssey marketplace transitioning to Nifty’s platform for ongoing buying, selling, and transferring of stamps. Stamps can also be transferred to external wallets for trading on other platforms.
Although the dedicated Discord server for the Odyssey community will close on March 19, Starbucks is exploring alternative avenues to maintain community engagement.
Starbucks joins other major corporations like CNN’s The Vault and Meta in winding down NFT initiatives, reflecting broader shifts in digital collectibles and blockchain technology.
For more information, Starbucks promises a final benefit for Odyssey members who have achieved Level 1 status or higher, details of which will be communicated by the end of March via email.
The fate of accumulated points and Odyssey Stamps has also been clarified: Points will expire with the program’s end, with no additional redemption periods planned. However, Odyssey Stamps will remain accessible through Nifty Gateway, ensuring continued functionality for stamp holders.