Starbucks

Starbucks Corporation is an American global coffee company and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is the largest coffee house company in the world, with 20,366 stores in 61 countries, including 13,123 in the United States, 1,299 in Canada, 977 in Japan, 793 in the United Kingdom, 732 in China, 473 in South Korea, 363 in Mexico, 282 in Taiwan, 204 in the Philippines, 164 in Thailand and 3 in India

Some of the methods Starbucks has used to expand and maintain their dominant market position, including buying out competitors' leases, intentionally operating at a loss, and clustering several locations in a small geographical area (i.e., saturating the market), have been labeled anti-competitive by critics. For example, Starbucks fueled its initial expansion into the UK market with a buyout of Seattle Coffee Company, but then used its capital and influence to obtain prime locations, some of which operated at a financial loss. Critics claimed this was an unfair attempt to drive out small, independent competitors, who could not afford to pay inflated prices for premium real estate.

While relations with independent coffeehouse chains have been strained, some owners have credited Starbucks with educating customers on coffee

The controllable factors that Starbucks has encountered entering the global market are similar to those in their domestic market. These factors include product, price, place and promotion. The Starbuck's name and image connect with millions of consumers around the globe. Internally, Starbuck's is able to make adjustments to fit a county's cultural tastes and expectations regarding their product, it's price, where it is available and how it is marketed. Starbuck's is also able to take part in market research to be sure their product has the right fit for each of its international locations.

According to the company's website, they maintain a high level of success internationally by choosing international partners who share...