Starbucks is celebrating its own US election victory after it cashed in on the voting fever with its own election manifesto of a free coffee to anyone who voted.
But the marketing ploy very nearly turned into PR catastrophe, had it not been for the quick response of its media team after it transpired that the offer was technically illegal.
As soon as Starbucks learned that the give-away could violate federal election laws, the company reacted superbly and immediately announced that it was extending its offer to all customers who requested a tall brewed coffee.
It is unclear whether Starbucks deliberately fell foul of the law, but the effect was sensational as it created a viral buzz across the US as talk about the election went hand in hand with the coffee giant's legal blooper.
The speciality coffee retailer enjoyed an election sales bonanza as a stampede of customers, lured into their local Starbucks by the offer of a free coffee, purchased pastries, cookies, paninis and muffins to go with their drink.
But the effect will also linger on well beyond the presidential election day, as the subliminal message takes hold and customers subconsciously choose Starbucks instead of its competitors next time they head for the coffee shop.
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