Starbucks unveils first community store in Taiwan

Starbucks has launched its first community store in Taiwan, reaffirming the brand’s global commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity.

Located in Xiulin Township, Hualien County, the community store has been designed as a community-based third place that strengthens ties between residents in the neighborhood, while fostering pride in the region’s diverse indigenous culture.

A portion of profits from this store will be donated to Hualien County Private Heping Sustainable Charity Foundation, an organisation with deep roots in the area and community, to support a local emergency relief fund. 

The store design draws on the rich indigenous culture in Hualian, including featured artworks created by indigenous artists Miru Hayung and Eleng Luluan. Miru Hayung, an artist from the Atayal Zihing community, used vibrant images to illustrate how coffee connects people and the environment. Meanwhile, Eleng Luluan, a teacher from Drekay Kucapungane community, used local textiles and embroidery cloth to create an artistic landscape of plants and coffee trees.

The celebration of indigenous culture extends beyond store design. A one-of-a-kind totem embellishment, created by Truku traditional weaving master, Shi Ma Hsiu-Hua in collaboration with tribal women, is woven into the iconic green apron partners wear at the community store. Representing the pride of the Truku people, the design pays tribute to the enthusiasm and connection Starbucks partners bring to customers.

Growing up in Xiulin Township, Hualien County as part of the Truku tribe, store manager Allen is proud to support his community through the Community Store. “It has been ten years since I joined Starbucks, and I am now a store manager who leads and trains partners,” he said.

“Starbucks corporate mission has a great impact on me when I first joined Starbucks after graduating from university. I have found a sense of accomplishment and a sense of belonging in the store, and I hope to recruit more locals to become partners through this store,” he added. 

To strengthen the communities Starbucks serves, it has opened more than 150 community stores in service of this aspiration. Community stores around the world are inclusive of several store models, from serving under-resourced communities, to empowering farmers, youth and women, and creating impact in partnership with local non-profit organisations.

Related articles:

Starbucks brews up first Signing Store in Indonesia
Starbucks MY and The dUCk Group brew up collab to celebrate active lifestyle