Starbucks Corp. said on Tuesday it is withdrawing an offer of free iced coffee to a limited number of employees and their friends and families in the southeast United States.
In a statement, Starbucks said the offer “has been redistributed beyond the original intent and modified beyond Starbucks’ control.”
The company said an e-mail offering a free Starbucks iced coffee was sent to a limited group of employees in the southeast on Aug. 23 with instructions to forward it to friends and family.
However, Starbucks said the offer was redistributed beyond the original intent. Effective immediately, the offer will no longer be valid at any Starbucks locations.
In July, Starbucks posted its weakest monthly same-store sales increase since 2001, saying heavy demand for cold drinks like Frappuccinos slowed service during busy morning hours, prompting customers to go elsewhere for their daily jolt.