Student Beans X McDonald’s: the perfect digital and IRL hybrid

Mcdonalds Cheeseburger

2.4 million UK students are currently kicking off their first term back at uni. Together, Student Beans and McDonald’s have created an in-store offering to satiate their appetites… 

One of the biggest misconceptions about Gen Z is that as digital natives, they only ever shop online. 

On the contrary – being a digital native just means they’re particularly adept at switching between URL and IRL. Gen Zs show the biggest preference for in-store shopping in the food & drink vertical. Despite more delivery options than ever before, 88% of Gen Zs shop for food in-store compared to 44% who shop for food online. 

So our in-store collaboration with McDonald’s is a strategic step in the right direction. 

McDonald’s has always been ahead of the curve with Gen Z, offering tangible career opportunities and even degree apprenticeships for UK students. They’ve perfected the art of the collab – winning a spot in our Top 11 Gen Z campaigns with their BTS meal. And over the past few years, they’ve transformed the in-store experience at their restaurants with digital self-service kiosks. 

If you’ve ever used one of the kiosks, you’ll know they’re a Gen Z’s dream. Combining the efficiency of digital with the experience of heading in-store, they tick all of the boxes – whether a student is heading home from a night out, grabbing a quick lunch with friends, or just wants to visit a McDonald’s restaurant to smell those sweet, sweet fries. 

And now – just in time for that all-important autumn term – McDonald’s has partnered with Student Beans to offer digital verification via in-store kiosks. Every student that uses a kiosk can quickly and easily verify their student status using a QR code or ID – meaning that every student deal is guaranteed to go to a verified student. It’s as seamless and secure as our digital verification, with all of the benefits of being in-store. 

The instore offering has launched at just the right time, with 2.4 million UK students currently heading off to uni as freshers, or returning to their in-person studies. We’re thrilled to be working with Mcdonald’s to connect them with the next generation of hungry customers – and generate loyalty for life.

Want to create an in-store offer that Gen Z students can’t refuse? Let’s talk.

Drive your biggest growth yet this Festive Season

Access insight-packed infographics, reports, blogs and more to fuel your holiday campaigns