Starbucks’ Strategy Stanley A. Orr
MGT 500
Professor Lewis
Strayer University
Starbucks opened in 1971 as a single store focusing on specialty coffee in Seattle, Washington. Their goal was to be a different kind of company that celebrates tradition as well as its coffee that also presented a sense of connection. Since then Starbucks has proven that combining innovation as well as tradition can be a true combination for success. Starbucks’ mission statement is to inspire and nurture the human spirit-one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. From its humble beginnings Starbucks has now grown to more than 18,000 stores in 62 countries.
Starbucks’ CEO Howard Shultz had a unique vision to bring the traditional coffee bars of Europe back to the United States after visiting Italy. This today has become a stable in American culture where Starbucks has become more than just a coffee shop but a meeting place for business professionals. Starbucks is even more a part of many individual’s daily routine as a neighborhood meeting place for friends and family to chat and enjoy an inviting atmosphere. This strategic business has embedded remarkable professional ingredients to achieve longevity in a competitive market and culture. Starbucks’ business strategies consist of key elements of organizational culture, innovative consumer relations, and strong effective management competencies to ensure its growth and longevity in its market. The key elements of Starbucks’ organizational culture that contributes to its success in a global economy are focusing on the development and introduction of new products and innovations. As Starbucks’ is famously known for its dark blend roast, but they have gone through great lengths to accommodate the other 40% of US coffee drinkers that prefer a lighter blend. Trademarked “Blonde” this lighter roast is an example of how Starbucks organization key elements to