Stop & Shop Announces Deal to Open Starbucks Licensed Stores
Popular chain to open in-store locations in 2006
Quincy, MA (February 15, 2006) -The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has announced a
new five-year agreement with Starbucks Coffee Company to open Starbucks licensed stores
inside Stop & Shop grocery stores.
Under the agreement, Starbucks, the Seattle-based company which has become synonymous
with high-quality coffee and pastries, will open several full-service licensed store
locations in Stop & Shop stores in 2006. The first Starbucks licensed stores are
scheduled to open in the spring.
"We're very excited about this new partnership," said Bill Cummings, Executive Vice
President of Operations for Stop & Shop. "We know our customers will be thrilled with
the ability to enjoy a freshly-brewed espresso or cappuccino while they shop at our
stores. It's another example of the one-stop shopping we offer, where customers can find
a variety of goods and services under one roof."
The new Starbucks licensed stores will be located inside Stop & Shop grocery stores
and will offer a complete variety of Starbucks products including freshly brewed coffees,
Frappuccino® blended beverages, Tazo® teas, espresso beverages and a wide selection of
pastries. Certain locations will also offer customers the convenience of table seating
and wireless Internet access. All of the Starbucks licensed stores will accept Starbucks
Cards.
"Our customers will receive a great Starbucks experience," Cummings said.
While specific locations for the new Starbucks licensed stores have yet to be announced,
Stop & Shop officials confirmed they will open in both existing and upcoming stores.
This year's rollout plans call for kiosks to be set up in Stop & Shop stores in New
York and New Jersey, and will expand to stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode
Island and New Hampshire in 2007. The Starbucks licensed stores will be operated and
staffed by Stop & Shop associates.
In addition to coffee and pastries, the Starbucks licensed stores will offer packaged
Starbucks coffees that are not typically sold in grocery stores.
"It all comes down to giving our customers a great shopping experience," Cummings said.
"We feel the combination of great products and service coupled with the Starbucks brand
is an excellent fit."
About Stop & Shop
Based in Quincy, Massachusetts, Stop & Shop operates 376 stores in Massachusetts,
Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York and employs more than
58,000 associates.
|
