Starbucks Odyssey NFT Will Be Discontinued From March 18

Key Points:

• Starbucks ends its Odyssey NFT program by combining loyalty rewards with NFTs.
• The Starbucks Odyssey NFT closure is scheduled for March 31, including the shutdown of the Discord server on March 18.
• Starbucks hints at future innovations in loyalty programs, as experts predict ongoing experimentation in the NFT space in 2024.

According to TechCrunch, Starbucks is bidding farewell to its Odyssey NFT program, marking the end of its pioneering venture into the web3 world.

Starbucks Odyssey NFT Program Says Goodbye

Launched in 2022, Starbucks Odyssey NFT seamlessly integrated the company’s renowned Starbucks Rewards loyalty program.

Initially powered by Polygon, Starbucks Odyssey NFT has been in beta since December 2022. However, the coffee giant has recently announced the closure of the program on March 31, citing the need to pave the way for future developments. The shutdown extends to the Starbucks Odyssey Discord server, set to cease operations on March 18.

Despite the program’s conclusion, Starbucks assures its patrons that this isn’t the end of their exploration into innovative loyalty initiatives. Expressing gratitude for the community’s engagement and feedback, Starbucks promises to incorporate the lessons learned into upcoming endeavors.

Starbucks Teases Innovations in Loyalty Programs

According to Steve Kaczynski, co-author of “The Everything Token” and community lead for Starbucks Odyssey, the era of “brand anchors” like loyalty programs within the NFT space is far from over. Kaczynski anticipates a surge in community-driven brand-building throughout 2024.

Under the Odyssey program, participants could earn, purchase, and trade NFT stamps by completing themed “journeys” centered around buying Starbucks products and engaging on social media. Despite its closure, the company remains tight-lipped about any potential resurrection of the Starbucks Odyssey NFT program in its current form or in a revamped version.