Starbucks is planning to open 10,000 new stores in the coming four years, including up to 2,400 new units in 2007. The figure represents an increase of 18% on Starbucks' current stock, and passes the record number of 2,199 new stores opened in 2006. The Seattle-based coffee retailer said that 700 of the new stores will be located outside of the US, namely in Europe and Asia.
Starbucks is planning to open 10,000 new stores in the coming four years, including up to 2,400 new units in 2007. The figure represents an increase of 18% on Starbucks' current stock, and passes the record number of 2,199 new stores opened in 2006. The Seattle-based coffee retailer said that 700 of the new stores will be located outside of the US, namely in Europe and Asia.
Chairman Howard Schultz said that international markets would be crucial to the expansion. 'We have built an emotional connection with both customers and partners resulting in a Starbucks experience that is as relevant in Europe and Asia as it is in Seattle,' he said. Starbucks currently operates 13,168 stores throughout the world.
