Case Study Analysis : Starbucks Turkey

Founded in 1985, Starbucks is one of the largest coffeehouse companies in the world with over 16,000 stores in 50 countries. This report evaluates major internal and external factors affecting Starbucks using various analytical techniques. Based on the Starbucks brand in UK, it identifies suitable marketing strategies for Starbucks to expand its business in the UK market within the next two years. In line with the chosen marketing strategies, recommendations for the marketing mix are discussed.

Has Starbucks has done well in Turkey? What are some of the common growth drivers in terms of consumer characteristics, market characteristics, and entry strategies across USA and Turkey that might account for Starbucks’ success?

2) Garthwiate, Craig; Busse, Meghan; Brown, Jennifer; Merkley, Greg “Starbucks: A Story of Growth” Harvard Business Publishing, July 2012.

Starbucks is no doubt a phenomenon in the United States, but the brand wants to expand globally. Opening chains in various global locations such as Japan, Vienna, England; Starbucks wants to reach out to the coffee loving fans everywhere. Nevertheless opening chains globally is not that simple. There are many uncontrollable factors Starbucks need to focus on to make sure they are making profit as well has abiding by the country’s laws and regulations. Going global takes a lot of market research to make sure that the brand will be successful even with uncontrollable factors. Controllable factors can be tailored to fit the needs of each country. Starbucks has to find the happy medium so they don’t lose their identity overseas.

Starbucks has always taken exceptional care in keeping its brand value.  In fact, Starbucks prides itself in its brand, particularly the power it has to keep its customer base strong. Before analyzing this loyal customer base it is best to consider the particular characteristics of the brand that has led to Starbucks having such devoted patrons.

Coffee has become a significant part of lifestyle of numerous people. Starbucks has opened its first coffee shop in in Seattle, Washington, USA in 1971 (“About Starbucks,” 2014). The Starbucks is very popular today and has more than 6,000 locations in over 30 countries. In addition to coffee and espresso drinks, people now enjoy Tazo tea and Frappuccino (“About Starbucks,” 2014). The main target of Starbucks is to be the consumer’s favorite coffee shop. The globalization of the businesses increases competition in the food and beverage industries. Starbucks is the most successful and competitive coffee chain on the market. The aggressive strategies of expansion pushed the competitors such as McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts

In general the coffeehouse industry in the United States was experiencing an increase in coffee consumption per capita due to the “Starbucks effect”. At this time Starbucks was operating approximately 20,000 stores in the United States and was living a fast expansion strategy worldwide.

Starbucks is a popular coffee house chain with numerous establishments across the globe. The company is renowned for the production of excellent coffee like espresso. Starbucks’ strong brand coupled with experience in the coffee business has helped it to exploit the global market. Starbucks faces stiff competition from McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. Besides, overreliance on the American market puts the company’s business at risk. The company is yet to exploit the European and African markets fully. Storey and Kelly (2010) hold that Starbucks can boost its performance by investing in consumer packaged products as well as global expansion. In spite of Starbucks having a good strategic growth plan, a lot needs to be done to help it exploit the world market and mitigate risks associated with competition and price volatility.

Starbucks dates back from 1971 and is based in Seattle, Washington. The company was founded by Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin and Zev Siegl and it

Starbuck’s strategy focused on three components; high-quality coffee, intimate service, and ambient atmosphere. Starbucks worked closely with growers in Africa, South and Central America, and Asia-Pacific regions to insure the quality of its product. Starbucks called all employees' "partners" and worked hard to train them with the skills necessary to best serve the customer. The atmosphere at Starbucks was crafted after the European-style espresso bar. The company goal was to create ambience through the Starbucks "experience" and by making the area comfortable, yet upscale.

Question 1: Has Starbucks done well in Turkey? What are some of the common growth drivers in terms of consumer characteristics, market characteristics, and entry strategies across the USA and Turkey that might account for Starbuck’s success?

Starbucks was started by three former students of the university of San Francisco named Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker. Their plan was to sell high quality coffee beans and roasting equipment but did not expect the success that their company would achieve in the future.

Companies can decide to go global or to enter international markets for various reasons, and these different objectives at the time of entry that enable the business to produce different strategies and the performance goals, and even forms of market participation.

Starbucks’ retail entry model in the United States does not have the same strategy as their international model. In the states Starbucks holds great control as a corporation, but in international territory, country partnerships, cultural, government laws and politics play a very important role in Starbucks’ entry strategy. Starbucks has set it sights globally since the coffee market has come close to saturation in the U.S. which will give them the opportunity to continue to expand without fierce competition. Starbucks has looked to countries like India and other emerging markets with great growth potential to set down new roots. Starbucks recognizes India as a great choice to expand business internationally but also recognizes the complexity in the same market after several attempts to enter without success.

Today, Starbucks is a well-established and successful phenomenon every year that improves its performances without giving any sign of slowing down. It is important at this point to try to understand what are the "current" factors of its ongoing development, which we can summarize in some key