SBUX - Dunkin' Doubles Down on Digital
During the worst of the pandemic, Free Donut Fridays from Dunkin' Brands Group (NASDAQ: DNKN) became one of the rare reasons to venture outside. Customers discovered they could snag a free donut with the purchase of a regular-priced drink thanks largely to the Dunkin' Mobile App. The coffee company that keeps America running is investing in its digital future, and investors seeking to brew up strong returns should consider sampling its shares.
The pandemic has pulled forward certain trends that were already on Dunkin' Brands' radar. The company has offered mobile ordering and its Perks program for many years, but the benefits have bubbled up to the surface over the last several months.
Under constant stress about COVID-19, customers are increasingly aware of staying socially distant for their own safety. But customers who download the Dunkin' app can order their favorite food or beverage before arriving at the store . Members can pay through the app ahead of time, or at the time of purchase, using a QR code. In the past, this might have been a convenience, but in light of the pandemic, touchless payment options have increased in popularity.