Starbucks employees and customers have slammed its new CEO CEO Brian Niccol and the coffee chain for the company’s new dress code.
Starbucks confirmed the new rules in a news release on April 14 after rumors of uniform changes circulated on social media.
Starting May 12, all workers will have no choice but to wear solid black shirts with any shade of khakis, black or blue denim pants.
This is marked change from their previous policy instituted in 2016, which allowed for ‘a range of subdued shirt colors beyond black and white’ and even ‘beanies, fedoras and other suitable hats.’
Starbucks explained the rules are meant to help in making sure customers know its green apron plays a ‘big role’ in creating a warm and welcoming environment.
Several Reddit users have expressed their frustration over the ‘ridiculous’ rules and called Niccol a ‘loser’ in a Reddit post.
‘Every new policy and decision that’s come out of Brian has sent the company back 20 years, and not in a cute nostalgic way,’ a commenter wrote.
Multiple employees criticized the rules because they had purchased other colorful clothes for work that were previously acceptable under the earlier guidelines.
Starbucks is implementing a new dress code that will take effect at Starbucks locations nationwide on May 12
The new dress code is one of many rules Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol implemented as part of a Back to Starbucks plan
The new dress code for its coffee makers is set to spotlight the coffee chain’s green aprons
‘It sucks we can’t even wear our grey/green Starbucks shirts. I hate it here,’ a worker commented.
‘This is actually so annoying – what about the people that wear black aprons and people that have already bought grey and other colored Starbucks shirts,’ another person wrote.
‘Been with the company for 10 years and this is so sad,’ a barista responded on a separate Reddit post.
‘I have so many cute, colorful outfits I wear to work that bring me a tiny bit a joy because at least I can dress how I want. What a terrible step backwards for this company.’
‘I don’t know what they expect me to do, my hours are so terrible right now I don’t even have money for gas yet I’m expected to go and buy all new clothes. Dude I’m barely feeding myself right now,’ an employee claimed.
However, not everyone was upset with the Starbucks’ latest decree.
In fact, a few commenters said they were fond of the color black, but noted their stores were ‘enraged’ at Niccol and threatened to boycott.
‘LOVE THE NEW DRESSCODE FINALLY. A better approach to support the brand,’ a customer wrote.
‘Thank you! More clarity and less ambiguity around dress code make our job easier,’ an employee responded.
‘We’re gonna look AMAZING!!! THE premier spot to get coffee!! LETS GO!!,’ a Tennessee-based employee insisted.
The new dress code is one of many changes Niccol enabled since becoming CEO last year.
Several Reddit users have slammed Niccol, the new dress code and Niccol
Niccol’s first major move was implementing a Back to Starbucks plan aiming to better the company and boost sales.
Some of them include eliminating the non-dairy milk upcharge, trimming wait times, and free refills for customers drinking from ceramic mugs or glasses in stores.
The company also faced backlash after announcing customers must make a purchase before using restrooms and its plans to eliminate its seven-year open-door policy earlier this year.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Starbucks for comment about the matter.
