On May 22, social media was abuzz with reports that The Coffee House, a popular cafe chain, had suddenly decided to “block” electrical outlets in many of its branches. This move was allegedly aimed at deterring customers from lingering too long or using the cafe as a workspace for extended periods. The news sparked intense debates online, especially among those who frequently patronized coffee shops for studying or work purposes.
Many customers took to online forums and social media platforms to express their frustration over the inability to access power outlets in some The Coffee House branches. They complained that the absence of accessible outlets made their experience inconvenient, especially during hot weather, as they had to move around to find a suitable workspace.
One disgruntled customer shared, “The Coffee House has locked all their electrical outlets, and it’s not just about students camping out all night to study. Even solo patrons like me, who might plug in to charge their devices, usually end up buying 2-3 drinks and pastries. It’s already uncomfortably hot, and then to walk into a cafe and not be able to sit and work is just ridiculous.”
While a wave of opposition emerged, there were also those who supported the brand’s autonomy in making such decisions. Some argued that The Coffee House was under no obligation to provide electricity for free and that it was up to customers to choose a cafe that suited their needs. In contrast, others noted, “The branch near my house switched to USB-C outlets, which limits some types of chargers, but the upper floor still has regular outlets. I think it’s just an improvement.”
Observations at several The Coffee House locations in Hanoi revealed that electrical outlets were still accessible and functional. Many patrons confirmed that they could plug in their devices, access the Wi-Fi, and work for extended periods without any issues.
The reports of a widespread “outlet blocking” policy remain unverified, as official responses from The Coffee House representatives are still pending. This move has sparked speculation about a potential strategy to optimize revenue now that the chain is under the ownership of the Golden Gate Group. Customers are curious to know if this is a system-wide change or merely a trial run in select branches.
Some commentators suggested that this tactic could encourage customer turnover, preventing individuals from occupying spaces for extended periods. However, for loyal customers who considered The Coffee House their second workplace, this change has prompted them to explore alternative options.
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding any changes to the electrical outlet policy at The Coffee House locations. Nonetheless, the online community remains vigilant and closely follows any developments in this regard.
