2 Beloved Coffee Shop Chains Roll Out Big Deals

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Happy hour is returning to Starbucks. During this time, you’ll be able to score discounts at the beloved coffee house.

In addition, happy hour is being extended for the first time since it was introduced in 2010.

All of this sounds great for caffeine addicts, but there is a catch: These are invitation-only events. Customers will be notified of them through the Starbucks app or email.

If you don’t want to download the app, you can simply sign up to receive emails. If you’re a member of the Starbucks Rewards program, offers will be automatically loaded onto your account.

The first of these happy hours is set for Thursday. It will run from 3 p.m. to closing time at participating stores in the U.S. and Canada. Espresso drinks will be 50 percent off during that time.

Future happy hour details and discounts will vary.

Matt Ryan, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Starbucks, says the new happy hour is about building “digital relationships” with customers.

Indeed, the revamped happy hour comes amid other digital changes:

  • Earlier this week, Starbucks made the ability to order and pay by app available to all folks who use the Starbucks app. Previously, it was available only to Starbucks Rewards members.
  • Starting next Monday, you will be asked to provide an email if you log onto Wi-Fi at a Starbucks store. The company says you will only need to do this once per device. Also, you will then be signed up to receive “the latest news, deals and offers,” including happy hour offers.

Caribou Coffee’s ‘bottomless beverage’

Meanwhile, for folks who can’t wait for the next happy hour, Caribou Coffee is offering a bottomless-beverage deal.

If you buy an Earth Day-themed tumbler— available online and in stores now — you get free unlimited caffeine through April. Caribou explains:

“Fill it right away, all day, everyday, starting now through April 30th! You can fill your tumbler with unlimited free brewed coffee or hot tea. Or, with $3 mochas, lattes and signature drinks!”

The tumbler is a 16-ounce, stainless-steel thermos. It will run you $39.99.

What’s your favorite way to save on coffee? Share with us below or over on our Facebook page.

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