Starbucks To Sell Books

Posted on May 18, 2006

Starbucks has announced that it's getting into the book business and that the stores will start selling books by Christmas 2006.

[Chairman Howard] Schultz, speaking with media following a speech to the Detroit Economic Club, said the company is looking to branch out to book sales in its stores, much like its move to sell music and promote films. He did not give details on how the company will specifically partner with authors or publishing firms, but said the work of popular authors could be featured. Starbucks has been selling various music collections in its stores and some exclusive albums have won multiple Grammy awards.

In addition, the company could within 12 to 14 months begin offering proprietary content for customers to download via wireless internet connections that are already available in stores. The content would include music or video that could be viewed on a laptop or downloaded to an MP3 audio player. Schultz said customers typically utilize in-store wireless connections to access email accounts, but the executive said the wireless connections are "a unique asset" that can be a bigger revenue generator.

Starbucks is currently waging an aggressive move into international markets, including China. During his speech, Schultz reiterated the company's goal to make China its second biggest market behind the U.S. He said Starbucks currently has 200 stores in the country, compared to 7,600 in the U.S. It has more than 3,000 stores in non-U.S. markets.

That's great: nothing goes together like books and coffee. But does this mean that we're going to have wait longer in line to buy our Venti, 2-Splenda Soy Lattes? Because we might just freak out if we have to stand in line behind people buying books, too. Or maybe we need to chill out and switch to decaf like everyone keeps telling us.



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