• by Nina Lentini  @Nina_Lentini, June 10, 2008

Looking to give consumers something extra, Starbucks this month is launching its first rewards program, backed by a POS marketing campaign that includes in-store signage, barista interaction with customers, and traditional PR and media outreach as well as messaging on store receipts.

Consumers get benefits for joining the Starbucks Card Rewards program and making purchases with a Starbucks Card.

Those who join by July 14 will receive a complimentary beverage of their choice, and all members can now enjoy up to two consecutive hours of complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi daily in company-operated U.S. stores. This new benefit joins other money-saving offers:

Select complimentary syrup and milk options;

Hot and iced brewed coffee refills on the house;

Complimentary tall beverage with the purchase of one pound of whole-bean coffee.

To participate in the program, customers can load a new Starbucks Card with $5 or more or take an existing Starbucks Card and join the program by visiting starbucks.com/card. Customers must use their Starbucks Card for purchases to receive benefits.

The new reward of complimentary Wi-Fi service for registered cardholders who sign up with AT&T is the result of an agreement between Starbucks and AT&T to deliver AT&T Wi-Fi at Wi-Fi enabled company-operated Starbucks locations across the U.S. Starbucks and AT&T are currently engaged in a national rollout of AT&T Wi-Fi and will bring the service to every participating Wi-Fi-enabled Starbucks location in the U.S. by the end of the calendar year.