Why Starbucks WEAVE is making coffee runs a family affair

Starbucks Singapore is marking its 30th anniversary by reimagining the traditional coffeehouse experience with the launch of Starbucks WEAVE, a new destination store at Resorts World Sentosa designed to bring together retail, customisation and family-friendly experiences under one roof.

Positioned as more than a café, the outlet introduces a family-first concept aimed at encouraging longer visits from locals, tourists and families through immersive experiences, exclusive merchandise and destination-only food and beverage offerings. Located within Resorts World Sentosa, Starbucks said the store reflects the next chapter in its journey in Singapore, while reinforcing its role as a "third place" beyond home and work.

At the heart of the concept is a push towards experiential retail. Starbucks WEAVE is home to the brand's first in-store laser engraving station in Singapore, allowing customers to personalise premium drinkware, including Stanley Quenchers, with Singapore-inspired motifs, text and anniversary designs. The outlet also features an exclusive line-up of merchandise and limited-edition products available only at the store.

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The experience extends beyond retail. Three larger-than-life Bearista statues inspired by the Merlion, Peranakan culture and the Starbucks Siren have been installed throughout the space, creating interactive photo opportunities for visitors. Guests who snap photos with the Bearistas around Resorts World Sentosa and share them on social media can also redeem exclusive Bearista sticker sheets while stocks last.

Local storytelling also plays a key role in the concept. Starbucks partnered Singaporean illustrator Candice Phang, better known as Puffingmuffin, to create a bespoke two-part mural celebrating coffee culture, community and the craftsmanship behind every cup. Designed specifically for the outlet, the artwork blends Sentosa's tropical setting with visual narratives inspired by coffee farming and human connection.

Alongside the immersive experiences, the store offers an exclusive menu tailored to its resort location. Highlights include the 'Cookie chocolate chip cream frappuccino', 'Cocoa cappuccino', Bearista-themed desserts and all-day dining options, with selected beverages served in reusable Bearista cups unique to the outlet.

On the merchandise front, Starbucks is expanding its retail offering with several WEAVE-exclusive collections, including a new collaboration with homegrown lifestyle brand Talking Toes. The partnership reimagines the retailer's Bearista character through beach-inspired apparel and accessories, while additional collections feature Bearista-themed drinkware, resort-inspired tumblers and customisable products designed for the engraving experience.

The opening coincides with Starbucks Singapore's 30th anniversary. Since opening its first store at Liat Towers in 1996, the coffee chain has expanded its footprint across the island, with WEAVE serving as the latest expression of its strategy to evolve beyond a conventional café into a destination centred on community, local culture and immersive brand experiences.

"Today marks a truly meaningful milestone for Starbucks Singapore. More than a new coffeehouse, Starbucks WEAVE is a destination designed for families, communities, and travellers to gather, connect, and create memorable experiences together," said Kelly Lim, general manager of Starbucks Singapore.

"As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, WEAVE reflects our continued commitment to fostering meaningful connections, bringing our 'third place' experience to life in fresh and inspiring ways, where coffee, craft, community, and connection come together," added Lim. 

The launch of Starbucks WEAVE also builds on the brand's broader localisation strategy in Singapore, where cultural storytelling has become an increasingly prominent part of its marketing efforts.

Koh Poy Kung, senior vice president of strategic business planning at Resorts World Sentosa said the distinctive concept reflects the organisation's commitment to curating unique, experience-led offerings that go beyond traditional retail and dining. 

"As the recipient of the Singapore Tourism Award for Outstanding Retail Experience 2026, this is an example of immersive experiences that create reasons for guests to visit, linger and connect, while strengthening Resorts World Sentosa's position as a leading experience-led lifestyle destination," added Koh. 

Earlier this year, Starbucks Singapore introduced a Peranakan-inspired merchandise collection featuring a ceramic mug adorned with Peranakan tile motifs alongside a Bearista plush keychain dressed in traditional attire. At the time, Ruth Yam, head of commercial at Starbucks Singapore, told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that the collection was born out of the brand's ambition to celebrate the communities, craft and stories that shape the markets in which it operates.

"As a brand rooted in human connection and storytelling, our merchandise is designed to extend the Starbucks experience beyond the coffeehouse. It creates small, tangible touchpoints that help people feel connected to place and to one another," she said.

Yam added that the Peranakan collection forms part of Starbucks' wider localisation strategy, with culturally inspired merchandise helping to strengthen emotional connections with both locals and visitors. The brand has previously drawn inspiration from Singapore's heritage through collaborations such as its 2023 partnership with The Intan, while observing growing consumer demand for merchandise that reflects local identity and culture.

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