The Coffee House’s Response to the ‘Passive Aggressive’ Outlet Cover-Up: An Exclusive Statement.

There has been a recent online buzz surrounding the popular coffee chain, The Coffee House, and its alleged decision to “block” electrical outlets in several of its outlets. This move is believed to be aimed at deterring customers from lingering too long while working or studying, a common practice in cafes nowadays. The news has sparked mixed reactions, especially among customers who consider cafes as their “mobile offices.”

However, upon visiting several The Coffee House branches in Ho Chi Minh City, it was observed that the “blocking” of electrical outlets was not as comprehensive as rumored. For instance, at the branch on Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street in District 3, some wall outlets have been converted into USB and lightning charging ports. Nonetheless, conventional outlets can still be found along the wall. Meanwhile, the branch on Cao Thang Street in District 10 continues to offer evenly distributed electrical outlets throughout the cafe.

Customer reactions to this development have been varied. Those who frequent cafes to study or work expressed the necessity of having access to electrical outlets, stating that they would consider alternative options if outlets were unavailable. Thanh Giang from District 10 shared, “When choosing a cafe to work in, I look for electrical outlets, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. If I encounter issues with any of these, I’ll simply move to another area. There are plenty of alternatives.”

Similarly, Bao Anh from Binh Tan District said, “When choosing a cafe, it’s important for me to have access to facilities that support my work, as I rarely visit cafes just for casual conversations. Having electrical outlets and suitable tables and chairs for working is essential. The availability of outlets is definitely a deciding factor for me.”

On the other hand, some customers who only visit cafes for a quick coffee and chat are unaffected by the availability of electrical outlets. Phuong Phuong from District 3 stated, “As an occasional visitor who is not a regular customer, the presence or absence of electrical outlets does not influence my decision to choose a cafe.”

When contacted, a customer service representative from The Coffee House clarified, “Our outlets are currently undergoing a transformation in terms of space, and we will be offering two types of electrical outlets: USB charging ports and conventional power outlets. These outlets will be separated into different areas to cater to customers’ diverse needs. Customers who require outlets for studying or working will have a designated area, while those who prefer a conversational atmosphere without the need for electrical devices can enjoy their experience in a separate space.”

Whether intentional or not, the electrical outlet situation at renowned cafes like The Coffee House has sparked a debate among netizens. However, the response from the chain’s representative indicates an attempt to balance the needs of various customer segments, rather than “subtly discouraging” long-staying customers, as speculated by the public.