1. Introduction
Starbucks distinguishes itself by focusing on creating and sustaining its own ‘coffee culture’. It has long been known as a ‘third place’ other than home and workplace. It serves not only quality coffee products but distinctive customer experience. With considerable research on the strategic positioning of Starbucks, this paper will introduce the history and the present of Starbucks as well as its corporate achievements before analyzing its brand value and strategic positioning, with focus on its competition and marketing strategies. Subsequently, the influences of external factors on Starbucks will be examined through PEST analysis and Porter's Five Forces Model analysis. Next parts will be concerned with the question of how Starbucks boost the value of its strategic position. Finally, the paper will be reviewed and the comments on the sustainability of Starbucks’ strategic positioning provided.
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2. Basic facts regarding Starbucks
2.1 Developmental History
In 1971, a business called Starbucks that sold coffee and other spices was set up by several people whose names have long been basically forgotten. Howard Schultz, the most important figure in Starbucks’ history, became part of Starbucks in 1982. In a business trip to Italy, he was inspired by some famous Italian coffee brands to the idea that the lucrative coffeehouses could cultivate a sense of emotional and cultural attachment among customers. In 1986, he managed to raise sufficient venture capital to take over Starbucks and started to transform this brand based on his own business philosophies. Nearly 3 decades later, Starbuck has grown from a local coffeehouse to a national coffeehouse chain and listed corporation, eventually turning a global business icon.