Tech-enabled coffee chain Flash Coffee continues its expansion in the region with the opening of a two-storey concept store in Omotesando in Tokyo, Japan. Earlier in December, Flash coffee opened its first two stores in Seoul, South Korea.
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Flash Coffee’s expansion into South Korea and Japan comes after a successful Series A funding of US$20 million in April 2021, led by global tech investment firm White Star Capital.
In 2022, Flash Coffee will continue to grow its footprint across the seven markets it is currently in: Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan, with a goal of opening over 350 stores by early 2022. The coffee chain has also set sights to enter three new countries next year; Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Flash Coffee is built to suit the needs of consumers living in the “new normal” and cater to the lifestyles of young working urbanites. With its own mobile app, the tech-enabled coffee chain allows customers to easily grab-and-go their purchases. App users can order, customise and pay for their orders before arriving at Flash Coffee’s yellow storefronts, reducing the wait time required and the need to queue for their daily cup of coffee. This digital customer experience is further optimised with a coffee loyalty programme on the app, offering unique, gamified challenges and personalised rewards.
Flash Coffee blends a coffee menu curated by World Latte Art Champion Hisako Yoshikawa from Japan, and Korea Latte Art Champion Ethan Won – setting it apart from conventional cafes and grab-and-go chains. Flash Coffee uses 100 percent Arabica, high-quality light-roasted beans that are specially sourced to retain natural aroma and flavour.
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“Coffee culture has been prevalent in Japan for many years, and we’ve observed the rising preference for premium coffee locally. Specialty coffees tend to be expensive, but with Flash Coffee, consumers can now enjoy it at an affordable price point. We look forward to sharing our award-winning menu with customers in Japan, and hope they will enjoy our innovative creations.” said Flash Coffee Japan Managing Director, Shu Matsuo Post.