Case Study:
Window Film & Manifestation Installations for Starbucks UK Drive-Thru Expansion.
Since late 2024, The Tint Shop has been working in partnership with Starbucks UK on a rolling programme of new-build drive-thru stores across the country. With Starbucks continuing to expand its UK presence, our role has been to deliver high-quality window tinting and bespoke manifestation graphics to ensure each store not only meets regulatory requirements but also reflects the brand’s design standards.
This case study highlights our ongoing work with Starbucks UK, outlining the scope of services provided, the challenges of working within a nationwide construction programme, and the solutions we deliver to ensure consistency across every location.
Project Background
Starbucks continues to invest heavily in the UK, with a strong focus on drive-thru stores to meet growing customer demand for convenience. The brand has projected the opening of 100 or more new drive-thru sites over the coming years, a programme that will see rapid and consistent store rollouts nationwide.
These sites typically combine large areas of glazing, including full-height shopfront windows, drive-thru service points, and customer seating areas.
Our involvement begins during the fit-out stage, where we liaise directly with principal contractors to install both window films and safety manifestations. The work is scheduled as part of the store completion process, ensuring everything is ready for handover ahead of opening day.
The Challenge
Delivering a programme of works across multiple sites presents specific challenges:
- Consistency Across Locations: Every site must meet Starbucks’ branding guidelines, requiring precise replication of manifestations and film specifications.
- Tight Construction Schedules: Store openings are carefully scheduled, leaving only a short window for our installations before handover.
- Health & Safety Compliance: With extensive glazing, manifestations are legally required to highlight transparent surfaces for customer safety.
- Durability: Drive-thru stores are high-traffic environments, so all materials need to withstand daily use and cleaning without degradation.
The Solution
The tint shop provides a full-service package of supply and installation tailored to Starbucks’ requirements.
Window Films
Manifestation Graphics
Coordination and Delivery
- We operate as part of the main contractor’s build schedule, carrying out installations at the final stages of fit-out.
- Our nationwide mobile teams ensure consistent standards at every site.
- Graphics are precision-cut and applied to ensure a flawless finish, maintaining the premium brand look expected by Starbucks customers.
Results and Impact
The collaboration has already covered a growing number of new Starbucks UK drive-thru locations, with more projected throughout 2025 and beyond.
Benefits delivered include:
- Brand Consistency: Every store maintains the same professional appearance and branding standards.
- Customer Comfort: Window tints enhance the in-store experience by controlling glare and heat, particularly in seating areas.
- Safety and Compliance: Manifestations meet regulatory requirements while integrating seamlessly into the store design.
- Efficient Delivery: All works are completed on time, aligned with demanding construction programmes, ensuring no delay to store openings.
Ongoing Partnership
Our relationship with Starbucks UK is open-ended, with no set completion date. As the brand continues to roll out new stores, particularly drive-thru sites, The Tint Shop remains a trusted partner for both manifestation graphics and window tinting.
By combining practical safety solutions with aesthetic sensitivity, we ensure each new Starbucks drive-thru opens ready to welcome customers in comfort, safety, and brand style.
