Coffee Chains

Get ready for more Starbucks in your life. At its annual meeting today, the coffee giant revealed more of its plans for this year, and as usual, they're nothing short of ambitious. Although representatives didn't want to comment on the speculation that Starbucks will buy Peet's, we did learn a little more about what's in store.
Starbucks plans to permeate multiple aisles in grocery chains and warehouse clubs across the nation. The company's hoping to capitalize on the single-cup market, and has inked a deal with both Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to sell single-cup coffee pods of Starbucks and Seattle's Best coffees, as well as Courtesy Products to offer a one-cup coffee brewer. Bonus: as an incentive for shoppers, the chain will also expand its rewards card program to include Starbucks products in grocery stores, such as coffee beans and bottled Frappuccinos.

In its stand-alone locations, Starbucks is adding more content to its in-store digital network, including access to new partners such as the Economist, Mediabistro, Marvel Comics, and ESPN Insider. Clearly, it's not just about coffee anymore, is it?

It's Starbucks's 40th birthday this month, and it's got plenty in store besides that brand-new logo. Starting today, the coffee giant is launching a massive anniversary marketing campaign that'll include print ads, TV commercials, in-store promotions, and product lines.

In addition to new brews — Starbucks Tribute Blend coffee and a Via version of the same blend — the corporation is also rolling out a new cocoa cappuccino. But bigger yet, it's globally launching Petites, a new line of eight baked goods and treats under 200 calories, including mini cupcakes, cake pops, and whoopie pies.

Starbucks's slogan? "It's our anniversary, but you get the presents." When customers buy drinks at stores between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, they'll also receive free Petites items.

Does the Petites line sound appetizing to you? Will you take advantage of the excuse for a celebration?

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It was only a matter of time: this morning, Starbucks launched a new mobile app that enables customers to pay for any food or beverage using the technology of a smartphone.

The Starbucks Card Mobile App is designed for iPhones, the iPod Touch, and the BlackBerry and should work at 7,500 locations in the US, including the stores inside Target. The app allows users to view and reload their Starbucks card balance, find participating locations, and check on card rewards. This morning, I tested it out. To see my thoughts, keep reading.

There's never a dull moment at Starbucks. Just ask CEO Howard Schultz, who's just revealed the name of his second business memoir. The book, which drops March 29, is titled Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul and is available for preorder on Amazon, where a mock-up of the cover shows Schultz has already incorporated the company's controversial new logo.

The book will cover Schultz's return to the Starbucks helm after an eight-year hiatus as CEO, and detail the company's struggles with its core brand identity as well as its recent successes. This one's going straight to my brand-new Kindle. Will you read it?

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