Starbucks is taking part in a pilot scheme with mobile check-in service Foursquare trialling ad formats that let the coffee shop chain target users near its outlets via the app, alongside a host of other brands.

Starbucks has promised further updates to its mobile, loyalty and digital platforms in the coming months.

The UK pilot will see the new display ad format called a Promoted Update served to Foursquare users when they check-in to locations within a specified distance of Starbucks outlets.

Hotelier chain IHG Hotels has also signed up to the pilot scheme, which is scheduled to kick off before mid-December, while Foursquare also lobbies further ‘tier one brands’ to take up the opportunity.

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