Connect with us

Brands/Products

Starbucks, Alibaba Partner to Satisfy Coffee Customers in China

Published

8 years ago

on

By Dipo Olowookere

A partnership aimed to transform the coffee industry in China has been signed between Starbucks Coffee Company and Alibaba Group Holding Limited.

The strategic “New Retail” partnership will enable a seamless Starbucks Experience in China allowing the firm use the Alibaba ecosystem, including Ele.me, Hema, Tmall, Taobao and Alipay, to offer delivery services beginning September 2018.

This will allow the company establish “Starbucks Delivery Kitchens” for delivery order fulfilment and integrate multiple platforms to co-create an unprecedented virtual Starbucks store – an unparalleled and even more personalized online Starbucks Experience for Chinese customers.

The announcement marks a historic moment as two iconic, global companies build on their distinct retail and technology strengths to revolutionize the customer experience. Leveraging the Alibaba ecosystem and New Retail infrastructure, Starbucks will be able to further unify a seamless Starbucks Experience between its stores and online for customers.

“Thanks to the elevated customer experience delivered by our over 45,000 partners, Starbucks is growing and innovating faster in China than anywhere else in the world,” said Kevin Johnson, president and chief executive officer, Starbucks Coffee Company. “Our transformational partnership with Alibaba will reshape modern retail, and represents a significant milestone in our efforts to exceed the expectations of Chinese consumers. Starbucks China is one to watch, and I have full confidence in the team that will bring the new innovation behind the Starbucks Experience to life.”

Daniel Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Group, said, “Starbucks is more than a destination for premium coffee and we share the same vision to pioneer a new coffee culture and lifestyle through innovation and technology. Alibaba is thrilled to expand our existing partnership with Starbucks by leveraging our cutting-edge New Retail infrastructure and digital power to enable an unprecedented experience for consumers. This partnership is again a testament to the success of our New Retail strategy.”

The strategic partnership is part of Alibaba’s broader New Retail push, which aims to transform how commerce is conducted by merging online and offline experiences. New Retail was introduced by Alibaba in 2016 and has since become a hallmark strategy of the retail industry.

Creating an Unparalleled Order and Delivery Experience Powered by the Alibaba Ecosystem

Best-in-class coffee delivery service through Ele.me

Working with Ele.me, China’s leading on-demand food delivery platform with 3 million registered delivery riders, Starbucks will pilot delivery this September in 150 stores located in key trade zones in Beijing and Shanghai with plans to accelerate and expand its delivery program to more than 2,000 Starbucks stores across 30 cities by the end of calendar year 2018.

Both Starbucks and Ele.me collaborated to develop a unique, customized delivery infrastructure that has been meticulously determined each step along the way, including dedicated Ele.me delivery riders, precise delivery time, and custom carriers. Both companies have created a tailored order-to-delivery Starbucks program that upholds the unparalleled experience and quality that customers have come to expect in Starbucks retail stores. Through this delivery partnership, Starbucks and Ele.me have pioneered a best-in-class coffee delivery service standard for Chinese customers.

“Ele.me has a robust infrastructure for on-demand delivery in China. We are pleased to partner with Starbucks to launch these reliable and trusted delivery services to satisfy customers’ needs and capitalize on the delivery sector’s great potential. It is an important milestone for Ele.me to deepen our collaboration with retail chains and further expand our penetration in the food delivery sector,” said Wang Lei, Chief Executive Officer of Ele.me.

Distinct Fulfillment and Delivery Capabilities through Hema Supermarkets

In addition, Starbucks will partner with Hema supermarkets to be the first retail brand to establish dedicated “Starbucks Delivery Kitchens” within their locations. The “Starbucks Delivery Kitchens” will utilize Hema’s distinct fulfillment and delivery capabilities to complement the delivery of handcrafted Starbucks coffee and tea beverages offered through existing Starbucks stores. Starbucks will also leverage Hema’s highly effective consumer insights and unique fulfillment expertise to further penetrate and better serve the needs of individuals and families in communities across China.

This intentional strategy will inform the future network planning for new Starbucks stores, combined with “Starbucks Delivery Kitchen” locations, to further expand the scale and reach of Starbucks delivery services, while enabling our partners (employees) to continue to elevate the third-place experience for the customer. Starbucks will open “Starbucks Delivery Kitchens” in selected Hema supermarkets in Shanghai and Hangzhou as soon as September 2018, with plans to expand its presence to other cities over time.

“Our Chinese customers have a high expectation of their Starbucks Experience and we are proud to introduce a premium delivery experience that reflects the same service and quality they’ve come to love and expect from us in our stores – we will never compromise,” said Belinda Wong, chief executive officer, Starbucks China. “More significantly, through our partnership with Alibaba, we are breaking the physical and virtual barriers between the home, office, in-store and digital space, making China the first Starbucks market to deliver a seamless Starbucks Experience across all facets of our customers’ lives and further reflecting the uniqueness and strategic importance of the market.”

Digital Innovations Transforming the Retail Industry

A key strategic initiative under the partnership is the development of a pioneering, first-of-its-kind virtual Starbucks store in China. This digital partnership will see Alibaba develop a centralized online management hub, with the unique capabilities to integrate and deliver a consistent Starbucks Experience across multiple digital platforms. This innovation will transcend the traditional limitations of a single-app visit by providing the consumer an elevated, and even more personalized Starbucks digital experience across the Starbucks app and Alibaba’s customer-facing mobile apps, including Taobao, Alipay, Tmall and Koubei.

This latest innovation will revolutionize the traditional offline-to-online model by effectively extending the reach of the Starbucks Experience into the everyday lifestyle ritual of the Chinese consumer, regardless of time or place. Whether it is at home or in the office, within a Starbucks store or online, Starbucks customers will be able to access and enjoy a one-stop Starbucks Experience when purchasing merchandise online, buying a Starbucks handcrafted beverage to be delivered to a friend or sending a Starbucks gift of love on the “Say it with Starbucks” social gifting platform. Starbucks will progressively integrate its Starbucks Rewards (SR) membership platform onto the centralized system to leverage its consumer insights to deliver a truly personalized experience to its customers, while establishing a strong foundation for the future development of Starbucks digital experiences in China.

Starbucks and Alibaba are trusted business partners who share common values in the spirit of innovation and the unrelenting pursuit of product and service excellence. This deepened partnership is a significant step as both companies partner together to elevate the customer experience across China.

Related Topics:

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Brands/Products

Migo Emerges as West Africa’s Most Trusted Gift Card Trading Platform, Offering Instant Cash for Apple, Steam,Razer Gold, and 50+ Gift Card Brands

Published

1 week ago

on

31/03/2026

By

Migo Gift Card

The Migo – Sell Gift Cards app is redefining how Nigerians and Ghanaians convert unused gift cards into instant cash — with the best exchange rates, bank-level security, and payments delivered in minutes.

Migo, a leading fintech platform in West Africa, today announced a major expansion of its gift card trading services, positioning itself as the definitive solution for Nigerians and Ghanaians seeking to sell gift cards for cash at the best available market rates. The platform now supports over 50 gift card brands — including Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, Go2Bank Gift Card, Google Play Gift Card, Visa Gift Card, Steam Wallet, and many more — with instant payment directly to Nigerian bank accounts and Ghanaian mobile money wallets.

West Africa’s Gift Card Market Is Booming — and Underserved

Gift cards have become one of the most widely circulated financial instruments in Nigeria and Ghana. Driven by growing diaspora remittances, the rise of remote work, international e-commerce, and corporate reward programmes, millions of dollars worth of gift cards flow into West Africa every year.

Apple Gift Cards, Amazon Gift Cards, Google Play Gift Cards, iTunes Gift Cards, Steam Wallet Gift Cards, eBay Gift Cards, Vanilla Visa Gift Cards, American Express Gift Cards, Sephora Gift Cards, Go2Bank Gift Cards, and Razer Gold Gift Cards are among the most commonly received cards in the region. Yet the vast majority of these cards cannot be used for everyday purchases in Nigeria or Ghana — they are locked to US or UK retail ecosystems.

Millions of naira in gift card value go unused every month across Nigeria and Ghana because recipients do not know where to sell safely.

Until recently, those looking to convert gift cards to cash had few good options. Social media groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Marketplace were riddled with fraudsters. Unregulated local dealers offered unpredictable rates and slow payment. The market urgently needed a trustworthy, technology-driven platform.

Migo was built to fill exactly that gap.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards: Built for Nigeria. Built for Ghana. Built for Speed.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards is a mobile-first fintech application that enables users across Nigeria and Ghana to sell gift cards instantly, securely, and at the best exchange rates. Available on Android and iOS — and free to download — Migo has rapidly grown into one of the most trusted gift card exchange platforms in West Africa.

The platform was designed with a single mission: to eliminate the friction, fear, and financial loss that has historically defined gift card trading in West Africa. With Migo, the process of converting an Apple Gift Card to Naira, exchanging a Visa Gift Card for Cedis, or cashing out a Steam Wallet Gift Card takes minutes, not days.

Platform: Migo – Sell Gift Cards

Available in: Nigeria and Ghana

Supported cards: 50+ brands including Apple, Amazon, Google Play, Visa, Go2Bank, Steam, eBay, Sephora, iTunes, Razer Gold, and more

Payment methods: Nigerian bank transfer (all major banks) | MTN MoMo | Vodafone Cash | AirtelTigo Money

Official Website: www.migogiftcard.com

Download — Android: Google Play Store

Download — iOS: Apple App Store

Online trading — WEB: Trade Now

A Platform That Accepts Every Major Gift Card Brand

One of Migo’s most significant competitive advantages is the breadth of its gift card catalogue. Users can sell virtually any major gift card brand on the platform, including:

Technology & Entertainment Gift Cards

Retail & Shopping Gift Cards

Financial & Prepaid Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards

Fashion, Lifestyle & Other Gift Cards

No matter which gift card brand you hold, Migo’s platform is designed to give you the fastest, safest, and most financially rewarding exit.

Why Thousands of Nigerians and Ghanaians Trust Migo for Gift Card Trading

1. Real-Time Gift Card Exchange Rates — Always Transparent

Migo’s live rate engine continuously monitors the global gift card market and forex conditions to offer users the most competitive rates available. Whether you are checking the Apple Gift Card rate today, Amazon Gift Card rate in Nigeria, Visa Gift Card exchange rate, or Go2Bank Gift Card rate in Ghana — Migo shows you exactly what you will receive before you commit. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch pricing.

2. Fastest Gift Card Payment in Nigeria and Ghana

Once your gift card is verified, payment is processed and delivered — directly to your Nigerian bank account or Ghanaian mobile money wallet — typically within minutes. Supported Nigerian banks include GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and all other commercial banks. Supported Ghanaian wallets include MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo Money.

3. Bank-Level Security for Every Transaction

Migo uses end-to-end encryption and a multi-layered fraud detection system to protect all card details and personal data. Unlike anonymous social media sellers, Migo operates as a verified, regulated fintech business with full accountability.

4. Simple Onboarding — Start Trading in Under 5 Minutes

Download the app for free, register with your phone number or email, complete a quick identity verification, and you are ready to sell any supported gift card brand. The onboarding process takes under five minutes.

5. All-in-One Gift Card Trading Dashboard

Check live rates for multiple gift card brands simultaneously, track transaction history, manage payment methods, and contact support — all within the Migo app.

6. Dedicated Customer Support — 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Migo’s support team is available around the clock through in-app live chat, email, and social media. For more information, visit www.migogiftcard.com.

How to Sell Gift Cards on Migo: A Simple 4-Step Process

Migo has streamlined the gift card selling experience into four simple steps:

Step 1  Download the Migo app for free from Google Play or the App Store.

Step 2  Register and verify your account in under 2 minutes.

Step 3  Select your gift card brand, enter card details, and review your live payout amount.

Step 4  Confirm your preferred payment method and receive cash — directly to your bank or mobile wallet.

Most Migo users go from opening the app to receiving payment in under 20 minutes.

The Gift Card Trading Landscape in Nigeria and Ghana: Key Facts

To understand why Migo’s services are in such high demand, it helps to understand the scale of the gift card market in West Africa:

  • Nigeria is one of the largest gift card trading markets in Africa, with millions of dollars in Apple Gift Cards, Amazon Gift Cards, and Visa Gift Cards received annually from the diaspora.
  • Ghana’s mobile money infrastructure makes it one of the fastest-growing gift card exchange markets on the continent.
  • Gift card scams cost Nigerian and Ghanaian users hundreds of millions of naira each year — making secure platforms like Migo essential.
  • The most traded gift card brands in Nigeria include Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, iTunes Gift Card, Google Play Gift Card, Visa Gift Card, Steam Gift Card, and eBay Gift Card.
  • The most traded gift card brands in Ghana include Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, Vanilla Visa Gift Card, Go2Bank Gift Card, and Google Play Gift Card.
  • Remote workers and freelancers in Nigeria and Ghana frequently receive payment in gift cards from US and UK employers, driving sustained demand for reliable gift card exchange platforms.
  • The Apple Gift Card rate in Nigeria and Amazon Gift Card rate in Nigeria are among the most searched financial queries in the country.

What Migo Users Are Saying

Across Nigeria and Ghana, Migo users consistently highlight three things: speed, security, and the best gift card rates. Here is what real users are saying:

Chukwuemeka, Lagos — Sold Apple Gift Card $100

NGN 162,000 received in 18 minutes

“I had been scammed twice on WhatsApp trying to sell my Apple Gift Card. Migo paid exactly what they showed me, with zero drama. Best gift card trading app in Nigeria, full stop.”

Abena, Kumasi, Ghana — Sold Amazon Gift Card $50

GHS 780 received via MTN MoMo in 23 minutes

“I use Migo for every gift card I receive now — Amazon, Google Play, Vanilla Visa. The rates are always the best I find anywhere, and the money comes fast.”

Biodun, Ibadan, Nigeria — Sold Go2Bank Visa Gift Card $500

NGN 814,000 received in 28 minutes

“For large amounts I need to trust the platform completely. I compared five platforms before choosing Migo. Best Go2Bank Gift Card rate, fastest payment, and zero hidden charges.”

Tunde, Abuja, Nigeria — Sold Steam Gift Card $200

NGN 326,000 received in 20 minutes

“I had a Steam Gift Card from a gaming client. Migo was the only platform that gave me a fair Steam Gift Card rate in Nigeria and actually paid on time. Highly recommended.”

Migo buy sell gift card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Migo – Sell Gift Cards?

A: Migo – Sell Gift Cards is a mobile application that allows users in Nigeria and Ghana to sell gift cards for instant cash. The platform supports over 50 gift card brands and delivers payment directly to local bank accounts and mobile money wallets at the best available exchange rates.

Q2: Which gift cards can I sell on Migo?

A: Migo accepts a wide range of gift cards including Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, Google Play Gift Card, iTunes Gift Card, Visa Gift Card, Go2Bank Gift Card, Vanilla Visa Gift Card, Steam Wallet Gift Card, eBay Gift Card, Sephora Gift Card, Razer Gold Gift Card, American Express Gift Card, Mastercard Gift Card, Xbox Gift Card, Walmart Gift Card, Target Gift Card, Nike Gift Card, Nordstrom Gift Card, and many more. Check the full list in the Migo app.

Q3: How do I download the Migo app?

A: The Migo – Sell Gift Cards app is free to download. Android users can get it on Google Play. iOS users can download it from the Apple App Store. You can also visit the official website at www.migogiftcard.com for more information.

Q4: How long does it take to receive payment after selling a gift card on Migo?

A: Most transactions are completed within minutes. In some cases, depending on card verification, it may take up to 30 minutes. Migo consistently delivers faster payments than other gift card trading platforms in Nigeria and Ghana.

Q5: What is the current gift card exchange rate on Migo?

A: Gift card exchange rates on Migo are updated in real time and vary by brand, denomination, and current forex market conditions. To check the latest Apple Gift Card rate, Amazon Gift Card rate, Visa Gift Card rate, or any other brand, open the Migo app or visit www.migogiftcard.com.

Q6: Is it safe to sell gift cards on Migo?

A: Yes. Migo uses end-to-end encryption, multi-layer fraud detection, and strict identity verification to protect all users and transactions. Migo is a registered and regulated fintech business — not an anonymous social media trader. Thousands of users across Nigeria and Ghana have safely traded gift cards on the platform.

Q7: How do I receive my payment after selling?

A: You can choose to receive payment via Nigerian bank transfer (GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA, and all major banks) or Ghanaian mobile money (MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, AirtelTigo Money). Simply enter your account details in the app before confirming your trade.

Q8: Does Migo charge any fees or hidden charges?

A: No. Migo does not charge hidden fees. The exchange rate displayed in the app is the final payout rate — what you see is exactly what you receive. There are no surprise deductions after submission.

Q9: Can I sell gift cards in Ghana using Migo?

A: Yes. Migo is fully available in Ghana. Ghanaian users can sell all supported gift card brands and receive payment in Cedis directly to their MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, or AirtelTigo Money wallet, or via bank transfer.

Q10: Where can I learn more about Migo?

A: Visit the official Migo website at www.migogiftcard.com for the latest rates, supported gift card brands, platform updates, and support resources.

About Migo – Sell Gift Cards

Migo – Sell Gift Cards is a West African fintech platform dedicated to providing safe, fast, and transparent gift card trading services for users in Nigeria and Ghana. The platform supports over 50 major gift card brands, offers real-time exchange rates, and delivers instant payment to all major Nigerian banks and Ghanaian mobile money providers. Visit www.migogiftcard.com or download the app on Google Play or App Store to get started.

Continue Reading

Brands/Products

Truecaller Users Crosses 500 million mark, Eyes One Billion

Published

1 week ago

on

31/03/2026

By

rishit jhunjhunwala truecaller

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The leading global platform for safe and trusted communication, Truecaller, has crossed the 500 million mark, with 150 million users outside of India and over 50 million users added in 2025.

The achievement underscores how trust has become one of the most essential layers in digital communication today, as demand for protection against spam, scam and unwanted communication continues to grow globally.

The platform also crossed 4 million paying subscribers globally earlier in the year, further strengthening one of its key revenue streams.

With half a billion people using the platform every month, Truecaller has evolved beyond just Caller ID. It has become an essential part of how communication works safely in the digital age; a daily-use trust layer that helps people verify identities, avoid fraud, and make informed decisions about who they interact with.

Today, Truecaller operates as a global digital utility platform, embedded into everyday communication habits for hundreds of millions of people. From identifying unknown callers to preventing fraud and enabling safer messaging, the platform has become a habitual, daily-use service that supports safer interactions across the phone ecosystem.

Despite serving more than half a billion users globally, the company remains relatively lean, with a team of approximately 470 employees building and operating the platform for users around the world.

“This is an important milestone for us, but it also says something bigger about the world we live in. More and more people need help navigating spam, scams, and unwanted communication every day.

“Reaching 500 million users shows the scale of that need, and the trust people place in Truecaller to help make communication safer,” the chief executive of Truecaller, Mr Rishit Jhunjhunwala, commented.

“Our commitment remains focused on continuously strengthening Truecaller with smarter technology and new capabilities that protect users before, during, and after every call or message.

“Ultimately, we aim to build a safer, more trusted communication ecosystem for everyone. We now have our sights set on the next milestone, one billion users,” he added.

Continue Reading

Brands/Products

EvaluatePR to Explore ‘PR After the Algorithm: Trust, Truth & Intelligence in 2026’

Published

2 weeks ago

on

25/03/2026

By

EVALUATE PR

P+ Measurement Services, Nigeria’s leading independent media intelligence and PR measurement agency, will host the 31st edition of its flagship thought-leadership platform, EvaluatePR, on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (WAT).

Themed PR After the Algorithm: Trust, Truth & Intelligence in 2026, this virtual session will convene professionals across public relations, communications, and media measurement to explore how algorithms, artificial intelligence, and digital ecosystems are reshaping reputation management, media influence, and audience trust.

With the increasing role of automation in communications, the event will challenge professionals to rethink how credibility is built and sustained in a fast-evolving digital landscape, while emphasising the need for transparency, ethical measurement, and strategic intelligence.

The session will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers representing diverse expertise across global communications, media intelligence, and analytics: Felicia Nugroho – Director, Analytics & Insights, Maverick Indonesia / Chair, Asia Pacific & International Board Director, AMEC; Cyrille Djami – Founder & Publisher, CommsOfAfrica; Strategic Communications, Editorial and Influence Consultant; Amrita Sidhu – Managing Director, Medianet / Director & Board Representative, AsiaNet / Board Member, AMEC; and Satira Osemudiamen Oreweme – Principal Consultant, Satira Media & Public Relations Limited.

Together, they will lead insightful discussions on how communicators can navigate the intersection of technology and trust, maintain authenticity in automated environments, and leverage data-driven intelligence to deliver meaningful communication outcomes.

Participation in the session is free, with access available via the official registration link: https://bit.ly/4stWjUh

Continue Reading

Trending