Starbucks Returns to Store Expansion

Making plans as the market strengthens

<cite>Starbucks Returns to Store Expansion</cite>: "

SEATTLE-After closing hundreds of units in the last year, Starbucks Corp. is ready to expand again in 2010, executives said at the company's third-quarter conference call.The company now expects to open approximately 55 net new licensed stores in the United States and approximately 310 net new licensed stores internationally this year. Plans for 2010 are still being made, noted Troy Alstead, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and growth will largely be concentrated internationally. In addition, the company is testing a new store design in Seattle, Paris and Tokyo, and has opened a new concept, 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea, which removes the Starbucks logo and sells beer and wine as well, in Seattle.

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