Check out the free coffee!
Starbucks will be handing out free 8-ounce samples of its new everyday brew called Pike Place Roast on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Pacific time (noon eastern).
But the free coffee is not just about generosity. Starbucks is counting on the new coffee as one tool to help reinvigorate U.S. traffic, which has been slowing in recent months.
The Pike Place Roast brew is supposed to remind consumers of Starbucks’ early Seattle roots. The company says the coffee has a smoother flavor and finish.
The new brew is one of several steps Starbucks announced last month — including a new customer rewards program and new espresso machines — as it tries to draw customers back amid a weak U.S. economy and competition in the coffee business from McDonald’s.
Also in the basket:
Countdown at Cavalli: Bidding process begins for stake in firm (WWD)
Asian inflation begins to sting U.S. shoppers (N.Y. Times)
(Photo: Reuters)
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5 comments so far
Well, my Starbucks gave away nothing on April 9. Who researched your story?
- Posted by paul leporeSorry! I meant April 8.
- Posted by paul leporethank goodness, their coffee is the worst, tastes burnt all the time. i will give them one more try and that’s it…
- Posted by carlyTastes great! Much better than the brown water from Dunkin Donuts. Their coffee doesn’t taste burnt, unless rookie coffee drinker.
- Posted by Mike[...] 8, 2008 So Starbucks is debuting a new coffee roast and giving away free samples as a publicity stunt. The brew is said to be “smoother” than other Starbucks coffees [...]
- Posted by Uhm, yeah… « Today’s Tidbits