Companies We Admire... STARBUCKS

Starbucks Inc., (formerly Starbucks Coffee Company) is on a roll, literally!

Several years ago things weren't so rosy for SBUX - founder Howard Shultz returned to manage the firm and found that he had too many locations, the stores were uninviting, and sales were flattening.  He took steps to rectify this though, and closed almost 1000 stores, and started to work on the 4th dimension (time, according to Einstein) - more on that below…..

Here's the latest with Starbucks….

• US and Canada same store sales are up 5% year over year 
• International sales are the big growth driver however - the company has planned a major push into China 
• Back to the "time" dimension - this means that the company is trying to sell drinks all day long - not just for the morning coffee rush - these afternoon/evening drinks have been termed 'refreshers" - and the Valencia Orange, for example is a big hit
• The food offerings, long an "unsweet spot" for the company, should improve drastically once the acquisition of the bakery goods chain La Boulange is fully integrated into Starbucks (at least its product offerings may be) - also, the yogurt company Danone is working with Starbucks on developing some new products as well 
• The result of all of this - the stock - ticker symbol SBUX - just hit an all-time high of $75 - and has perked up 40% for the year 

Personally speaking, I am a Starbucks drinker - BUT only when there's nothing else around!!! - finding the coffee too strong for my tender coffee taste-buds - I prefer Tim Hortons in Canada and Dunkin Donuts coffee in the US.

But even so, I have to admit, the "blonde" offering (still with coffee, everyone!!!)….was probably tailor made for me - a lighter, less robust blend that even I can enjoy - especially with the little Starbucks touches - like the vanilla powder (and chocolate and cinnamon) available at the creamery!

Starbucks is brewing up success - and is the latest "company we admire" 

Til tomorrow! 

Kevin