Starbucks Bans Engagement Rings & What One Jeweler is Doing About It
Modesto, CA (PRWEB) February 22, 2015 -- Yates & Co Jewelers, an independent family owned jewelry store, aids local Starbucks baristas who can no longer wear engagement rings while at work.
Starbucks recently announced a new policy that prohibits Starbucks baristas from wearing rings with gemstones. Due to this unpopular policy, baristas employed at Starbucks coffee shops will no longer be able to wear their engagement rings. This has caused quite a fuss among the employees. (News links: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/starbucks-updates-employee-dress-code-bans-engagement-rings-article-1.2000569 , November 5, 2014. http://www.aol.com/article/2014/11/07/starbucks-enforces-new-dress-code-for-employees/20990178/ , November 7, 2014.)
One jeweler in Modesto, CA, after hearing many Starbucks employees grumble about the new policy, decided to do something to help out. Yates & Co Jewelers is giving away free wedding bands to local area Starbucks baristas effected by the new corporate policy.
“When I heard about what Starbucks was doing I thought it was just not fair. These hardworking people deserve to be able to wear a wedding ring to work. What message does that send? I mean really, do they expect the barista to stir my drink with her engagement ring?” said Ashton Yates-Woolley.
Yates-Woolley goes on to say, “Many of the ladies who came in to get their free wedding band said they felt very uncomfortable without their engagement ring on at work. Some of them were getting hit on by their customers and didn’t like it. They were frustrated because this wouldn’t have happened if they could wear their ring.”
The response from the baristas has been very positive and appreciative. One local fan, Ashley Roderick-Vecente, voiced the sentiments of many, “….I’m happy to see you guys giving back to the community….Especially to our hard work baristas who put up with us grouchy and on-edge caffeine addicts!”
As of February 16, 2015, Yates & Co has given 97 local Starbucks baristas free wedding bands. The webpage outlining this unusual community outreach is http://www.yatesjewelers.com/starbucks-wedding-bands.html. Pictures of many of the delighted baristas are found on the photo album on this page.
Yates & Co plans on continuing this community service program until our allotted ring supplies run out. (In addition, we are offering the general public a 15% off coupon for in stock merchandise if they mention our barista community outreach program.)
About Yates & Co Jewelers
Yates & Co Jewelers, http://www.YatesJewelers.com, is an independent family run fine jewelry store located in Modesto, CA. Established in 1988 by Ron and Mechelle Yates, they specialize in vintage engagement rings and designer jewelry. They also appraise and purchase estate jewelry and diamonds.
Ron Yates, Yates & Co. Jewelers, http://www.YatesJewelers.com, +1 (209) 523-1442, [email protected]
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