Starbucks Corporation:

How to Improve the Current Marketing Strategy

Robert Gibson

Marketing
Professor McNabb
March 19, 2007
Abstract
Starbucks opened in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1971 with hopes of creating a “third place” between home and work. Starbucks was created to produce premium coffee, while adhering to various core principles during economic growth. “The company has realized that people don’t only come for coffee; they come for the atmosphere,” (Kembell). Customers are able to socialize, read, study or enjoy music while drinking coffee. Starbucks strategically positions each store with hopes of matching the specific location, helping to create a unique atmosphere. Throughout this paper, I will analyze Starbucks’ current domestic and international marketing strategy through SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis, to provide new ideas, leading to market segmentation. Starbucks is a global corporation that sells authentic coffee in 30 countries, reporting revenues of nearly $5.1 billion in 2006 (Starbucks Marketing Plan). The main goal of Starbucks is to embrace diversity by applying the highest standards of excellence. On average, Americans drink 3 cups of coffee per day, though it is hard to make an accurate guess because every customer has their own personal rate. Starbucks strives to perfect the relationship with the working class by making the service as fast as possible. Providing consumers with the option of purchasing brewing equipment such as espresso machines, coffee filters and cleaners, Starbucks can now advertise in residential areas outside of the store.

While McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Nike fill up TV commercial time to a national audience, Starbucks has chosen to take an unconventional approach to marketing. According to Brad Stevens, Starbucks’ lead marketing executive, “So much of