The worst service in the same weekend.

I had a pair of shoes that i got 15 days ago but i felt a little uncomfortable so i decide to go and exchange yesterday. When i got to the store, employees saw me with the bag and their automatically though that i was coming just for return or exchange. I could see it in their faces. So i walked to one of then and i said " Can i get some help?" She took some minutes to answer and said what would you need? And then Well let me look for the person who sold you the shoes, and I said why? that was 15 days ago; so she told me, well I would like to help you but I work by commission, if I do the commission is going to the person who sold you the shoes not to me. That was not professional. it is never okay to say that to any costumer. I had argument with that person because i am a regular costumer of that store, if i have to come and return and exchange 20 time you have to help me. Some store employ people just for the season teenagers who don't have the minimum care of the customer, it's just make money for all the fashion stuff that they want for Christmas.

The best costumer service this holiday season.

This weekend I stopped in a store named L.L. Bean. It was pack of people but at the same time with pack with a lot of costumer services people walking all around the store helping all of the Christmas buyers. They were more than 4 per section, very kindly, nice and patient. Waiting in the line to pay were like 20 people in front of me, and there were 3 employees saying I'm sorry to make you wait and for the long line. Would You like some cookies by the time you are waiting? Also there was a place with crayons, paper, play-dough, for the kids. That was really nice experience in the store.

lack of RECRUITERS.

Everyday recruiters search the nation in look of young people who will serve the country. Whether it be for the navy, army, air force or marines, they are needed. Now that our country is at war the number of recruits have decresaed. People are starting to view things differently and fighting in a war doesn't sound as good. Fear of death is everywhere. These forces are trying their best, but their is no interest. The vast majority of the nation is in denial. I believe that for as long as htis war continues it will remain that way. No one wants to risk their life at such young age, most of these people have families and a future to look forward too. So, for now there is nothing we can do. And there is nothing they can do. The number will keep decreasing for as long as the war lasts.

International holidays

A lot of business take the advantage to be in a diversity country as is United States to make profit celebrating foreign holidays. Like all this week Hanukkah, we can see symbols, specials recipes in restaurants and bakeries. Also today is a Holiday in some countries in south America; night clubs and restaurant are celebrating promoting concerts, parties since a month ago for today, even though those places are not Latinos.

growing PUMAs.

Over the years PUMA company has flourished immensity. Creating new products that have blossom their sales and economy. Establishing variety in all their sales, they include; purses, bags, shoes, sweaters, shirts, gloves, jackets, and just recently boots. The enormous progress that this company has cultivated has brought nothing but success and their customers are aware of that. They give variations and know how to please their guests and this is the reasin for their success. Forming websites that help them expand their economy and make shopping for puma products a lot more easier for customers.

Toys R Us

Everyone looks forward to the holiday seasons, especially toys r us. A store that has been around for many years now and has been nothing but successful. But, how can they not? while their products are fulfilling desires all over the world. TOYS. TOYS. TOYS. During the holiday seasons families purchase quantities of gifts/presents to give to others. And now, they have expanded their ways by finding easier alternatives for the customer to purchase what they need. Creating a website that allows you to select orders online and provide free shipping for them. For the month of December, toys R us will have a boom in their economy and children are whom to blame.

The North Face

Throughout the years The North Face company has grown tremendously. In its early years the company marketed their products to the extreme cold enthusiast like high altitude hikers, skiers, and snowboarders. In the recent years it's products have made their way into the urban mainstream scene. They have created new products to fit the taste of there ever growing consumer population such as trendy bags, clothing, and apparel. It has become one of the most known companies in the world, producing most of its profit, no other than during the winter season. So if its for style or just to be comfy and toasty during those cold days, The North Face is the way to go.

Business with out immigrants

Immigrants are those who have made pre-paid phone card's business grows every day. With out us there is not profit for this kind of business. In any grocery or stand we can find a hundred kind of pre-paid cards to make international calls being so much cheaper if we make the call directly from our land line or cellphone. Every week there is a new one in the market with weird and funny names. The cards don't really need to be advertised or marketed. Just ask one or two of your friends which one are they using to call and giving more minutes for less; and then someone will come to ask you the same question.

Cupons time !!!!!

Incredible...Good strategic to persuade and convice people to go and spend our money, I am getting a least 2 discount coupons every day in my mail from stores that I have not ever been...

Flights in holidays.

In Christmas time, Flight tickets are so expensive, delay for the weather, and long lines in the airports ufff... for me is a really pain no joyful eventhough my family is away... Do you really enjoy travel in this time? You can get the same ticket for less than half price two weeks after and avoid all these headaches and save money.

Up's..... Show of the Week

Today i got the last 25 minutes of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, what it really showed to me at bunch of sticks with pretty faces walking with Christmas ornaments everywhere; and what they really marketed was the 10 years old CD of Spicy Girls for free when you spend $60 or more between Wednesday and Thursday.

How worthy are all your coins?

Now you can get a Starbucks, Amazon, Borders, etc.. gift cards with all your old coins, those that you never want in your wallet. Just go to the coins machine located in most of the drugstores of NYC and they will change for a gift card with out cost. So if you are running out of money it is a good chance to get a present for the holidays... You still have time to save some money....

Our mail in Holidays

Usually in our daily mail is more what we through out that what we need, but in holidays your mail box can felt down if you don't check every day with all the advertising, promotions and catalogs that also we get by email, so with the technology is double now. How many trees can be saved? one day not to far we are going to miss those trees to laid down, under their shadow and soft breeze.

PayLESS.

For over decades, payless has been successful in providing shoes for the underclass, working class, and nearly everyone. With their great, inexpensive prices, they have conquered the attention of many Americans today. Providing offers and specials such that one can buy a pair of shoes and get another pair for half of the price. How great is that??? At this moment they also have an in-store boot clearance for up to 60% off selected styles. The best part is that snow is on its way, and you can actually buy affordable shoes that are going to be very useful for the upcoming weather. Don't waist your time, and enjoy this great offer for more than half off before it ends. In payless, you can always buy more, and pay less.

SHAME or FAME??

After th New York Mets devastating end for the 2007 season, baseball awards have been the only good thing about them. At the end of the season, David Wright from the New York Mets received the golden glove award for the first time for his outstanding defense in third base. The Mets center fielder, Carlos Beltran, also received this award fro the second consecutive year. Despite of the results the team, especially these two players made spectacular defensive and offensive plays, pushing their team when they needed a boost. For the "This Year in Baseball Awards" David Wright and Billy Wagner [New York Mets' closer] are nominated for "hitter" and "closer" of they year. Carlos Beltran also received a nomination for "play of the year" award. If you go to the link below, you too, can vote in deciding which player will win the award. http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/mlb/awards/y2007/tyib/index.jsp

you can never go WRONG by eating RIGHT.

Over the past years subway restaurants have expanded throughout the country. Allowing customers to eat healthier good that tastes just as good, subway has been very successful. For those who have never been to subways is very interesting and i suggest you go. The customer has a choice of buying a sandwich from the menu or making their own. This includes putting any type of meat, sauce, or vegetable that one desires. Subway also provides information on the nutrients and the calories their sandwiches contain. this one one can know which sandwich is healthier and by exactly how much is subway reducing your everyday calories. I believe that this is a great restaurant, because it gives you variety, and allows you to eat healthy and FRESH.

Bally... its TOTAL FITNESS.

After thanksgiving everyone tends to gain a few pounds here and there. Well believe it or not you can lose them just as fast as you gain them. Bally Total Fitness is allowing 2 week membership for those who may be interested in getting in shape. A free 2 week membership that includes access to all group exercises [such as Cardiovascular, flexibility, boxing etc], access to the new online weight program which allows you to find the perfect balance in nutrition, exercise and support, and many other advantages are also included. So, what is there to lose?? It doesnt kill so give it try and apply, besides its good for your body.

the BEST you can BUY.

Overtime Best Buy has becomed one of the best known electronics department world wide. Captivating attention with their good qualtiy products and services they have learned to grow into a great business. Making millions of dollars this past black friday for their once in a lifetime offers to the public they've improved their ways. Meaning that with this they've gained popularity, and many customers that can rely on good service and, prices, and electronics fromt he store. By extending some of their sale to a 2-day sale and being involved with the customer, such as providing shipping, new releases, sales events etc. has also recently helped in their development of a great business.

WHO WILL TAKE THE WHITE HOUSE???

There are so many presidential candidates running to take the job few Americans desire; being president. A job falling under so much pressure and responsibility. But, who will take it? Whom do Americans believe can reshape the ways of this country. So far, manyhave led towards Hillary Clinton; the wife of former president Bill Clinton. And although, a female she has proven herself to her people. Basing her campaign on the “Let’s Go Green.” idea Hillary's plan is to stop/control global warming, since it’s become such a big issue in the United States, by creating energy funds. Other than supporting the gay marriage, she has also promised to make college more affordable for students who are in financial need. For the most part everything she’s being doing is right. She generated a political idea throughout her campaign, has spoken well to the public, and as of now has kept a good public image. If she continues in this path there is no doubt that she can win the election. And although the world or most specifically men believe their not ready for a female president when it comes down to pulling that lever is a different story. Because if your ideas can do this country better than everything else shouldn’t matter. But unfortunately, not everyone shares this mentality, and after the curtain closes-- anything can happen.

Thanksgiving Day for Starbucks.

Today, on my commute from Queens to Manhattan I could see all the Starbucks open and pack of people, always faithful to their costumers, and giving a such warm place to have a turkey-coffee taste for all of those who did not have place to go in thanksgiving. Almost everything was close like 90% of the business except drugstores, some restaurants, supermarkets and of course "Starbucks".

target's TARGET.

Every year as the holiday season approaches target holds special promotions, offers, and different activities for their customers. Believe it or not, they seem to only promote as christmas time arrives, but hey i can't blame them. I have no doubt that is very beneficial for them. They have free shipping events, sales on the top 50 gifts; which include scooters, stainless steel cookware, digital cameras, high definition TV and much more. People love shopping at atrget because of the low prices and high quality items. They go by "Buy more. Pay less." and its not a joke. You can save twice as much in this store than in any other especially know as Black Friday and Holiday Seasons approaches.

the price of FLYING.

As the Holidays arrive, many decide to go on vacation. The snow and the cold winds approach us and some just can't take it. This is why airline make so much money during the holidays especially in December. They have didfferent promotions, and special offers for clients who are interested in flying. Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, Copa, Avianca, are some of the airlines that benefit from this situation. However, while some airlines offer reduced flights in spirit of the holidays others increase their amount to gain more money. They are aware that during the holidays one is capable of paying any amount just to go and spend christmas/new years with their family and so they take advantage. This is why it is advisable for anyone who has plans of a trip during the holiday seasons, to buy or reserve their ticket earlier in the year where they can find it at a cheaper price that is, unless your rich.

i-Power.

Years ago, people were still using CD players while traveling, but technology has changed and even mp3 players seem worthless. When the i-pod began prospering, everyone wanted it. As the people got more excited the company of course, began to create different models, styles and colors expanding ways to make more money. This company has made; still is; and as of now will continue making money if they keep their consistency. Not so long ago the i-touch was announced. This includes an i-pod, with high tech games, Internet, forecast at any given time, and so much more. Fascinated with this new technology a lot of people are finding themselves purchasing many of the products whether it be as a gift or to themselves. As the holiday season approaches the profit increases. I mean, who wouldn't want to get an i-touch; i-pod; mini i-pod; i-phone etc., as a gift.

panERA bread.

Panera Bread is a business who recently opened up in queens. Initiating their business around other parts of the United States they are known for them exquisite fresh baked breads. A couple months ago they opened up the first one, located in Astoria Queens. So far, it has been nothing but successful. Introducing new products and creating variety n their ingredients they have captured their residents. With new locations coming soon, like Woodhaven, they are history in the making. Supporting breast cancer foundations Panera held a pink ribbon bagel for the month of October that gave a portion of the profit to breast cancer foundations. A bagel in the shape of a ribbon consisting of raspberries. Since its a new place and many aren't familiarized with it, you can also find more information at www.panerabread.com . You can never go wrong when trying something new!

STAY-ROD?

After opting out from the Yankees two weeks ago to become a free agent, the road has been bumpy for Alex. His fans were beginning to express themselves bad about him for tuning his back on the Yankees when they need him the most. The Yankees had their mind set that A-rod didn't want to and would no longer be a Yankee. After what seemed decades in search of a third baseman replacement the Yankees were running out of options. The Florida Marlins refuse to give up their all-star third baseman without good pitchers in return from the Yankees but under these conditions the bombers had no intention of making this trade possible. So now, since no team is willing to pay this third baseman the money he wants, Yankee stadium is where he leans towards. A-rod and his agent would sit down with Brian Cashman (Yankee's' general manager) and a decision will hopefully be made by tomorrow. However, is New York really ready to receive A-rod? Or will the boos that surrounded A-rod during the postseason return to haunt him?

Dunkin' Runs On America.

The Dunkin' Donut company has decades in business and has been very successful. with their variety of donuts, muffins, breakfast meals, and their highly exceptional coffee they have cultivated the world. Establishing "dunkin' donuts card" which allows the customer to buy cards as gift or use them every time they got purchase something from the store has improved their popularity and has increased their economy. In accordance to that, the customer is also able to manage, register, and recharge the card online and purchase such products as coffee beans, tea etc. They have built their economy on this, including contests and promotions to motivate the customer to make their stop at dunkin' donuts a daily thing.

Get prepared for the black Friday...

Save money... Big sales..... You can't miss a chance...... last day of sale of the year..... closing out..... everything must to go now....... inventory of the year.... free coupons.

All this comments are very common, specially now. Just be careful with the advertising and the way they persuade us.

Check your mail and your email account, and see all the promotions, events and coupons that are you going to get this week to invite you to spend your money next week. Look next to your door, You will find at lot of paper of ads of the big sales. For sure we can find better deals in January. Go away in Christmas and you don't have to give any gift to anyone like me this year. Just vacation for me.

Starbucks never miss a chance

Is not suppose to be a coffee place, where you can get just that with some cookies or bagel, cake or tea? Today Starbucks is not only that, it is a shopping store. It's like you are there getting something,and you don't have any excuse to leave the place with out buying something for your children, hubby, or mom.

As this teddy bear, there are many gift that you can get in Starbucks, now its money season...customize gift cards, coffee makers, Cd's, books, cups, games, etc...

Best season for shipping companies

As everybody knows the one of the best season to make profit and spend money is here, "Christmas time"; and the companies who
can take advantage of that are in charge to ship packages as UPS, Unites States Post Office, FedEx, etc... Employees make some extra money working long hours during the day and at night time trying to everybody gets their stuff on time, specially in holiday. Post offices are selling customize stamps with the picture of your kids, dog, cat for some extra cents; also is promoting sales of Eco-friendly boxes instead to reuse old boxes at home to send presents, off course this as a extra cost but the box at home is free.
People like me as an immigrant with part of my family away, we get crazy in this season and we want to send the entire house in a box for our family no matter the cost, spending money.

The King of Spain tells shut up to Chavez...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOcMXRh6elg

Here is the video in the iberoamerican conference celebrate in Chile, where Hugo Chavez president of Venezuela and Jose Zapatero from Spain exchange words, been the king of spain present and getting upset for the unrespectful acttitude of Chavez to his country.

the king said " porque no te callas" ( why you don't shut up ) to Chavez. Those word are becoming so famous and start to help some companies to make profit as the cellphone ones who are selling to their costumer the ringtone " porque no te callas", making good money, also homemade it funny videos, songs and many kinds of jokes are available online.

The stage strike in New York and Who is affected

In the third day of Broadway shows strike, not only them are feeling the effects of the paralysis of the shows, the business around them like restaurants, parking lots, stores, hot dogs and pretzel stands; and many others have been affected, most of them small business.

The estimate of loss for the city is about $17 millions every day of the strike. This the best season for Broadway shows, holidays are coming with people from another states and countries to visit the city as well to go and see any of the Broadway shows that make New York City famous.

I met Mr Pablo in the subway this weekend, he asked me for some directions and what way to go. He came with his wife for first time to New York from Peru; we stared a conversation in the subway and they make some comments about how upset they feel to go back to their country with out see any of the show. They could not make one of their dream that was to be in one of them... and their vacation are almost over.

Like those people, they are many tourist in the same situation. Even though they are returning the money to the people who bought tickets in advance they are not happy with that, but we have to think those employees are working with out contract and they are trying to claim their rights. But what I can see is that nothing is moving on.

The Growth in T-Mobile.

Over the past years technology has struck us with different manageable machinery that can be applied to everyday life. Phone companies around the world are creating over millions of phone styles that attract the customer, and policies that keep them interested in the company. Aside from its various very known "sidekick" phones, this company has added the "Favorite Five". This allows the user to choose five people [normally people whom they tend to talk the most to] and talk unconditionally with no minute charge. Each and everyday more people, especially teenagers, are switching company to take advantage of these benefits. Creating various versions of the sidekick phones show people and teenagers especially, variety in the phone and still allows them to interact with the same phone privileges such as Internet, and AOL instant messenger. These two additions have boosted T-mobiles economy, making them one of the most used cell phone companies in the United States.

buyers and culture.

That is the last topic that we cover in Our class of marketing.

People do not even know what we buy things, sometimes because we need or we thing that we need, to be on fashion, big sales, it's cheap now and we can't miss that opportunity.

Take self-control of buying is very difficult and recognize that some of us are compulsive and sick buyers too, and when can we realize that.... when we get our

credit card report and or saving balance, or when we see that we need a bigger place to live because all our stuff don't fit any more in our house.

Another topic that got my attention it was about culture, specially because we are living in the country with most diversity of culture of the world, United States. How the diversity helps to make good profit, like supermarkets and restaurant with food, phone cards, airlines... etc.

In order to survive companies have to think global.

As people in the marketing area, we have to very careful as we promote, advertise any product because not all the culture will interpret at the same way. We have to study the culture, they needs, their market and how much are they willing to pay for a product.

Apple is everywhere look at this....

STEVE SAENZ used to run a 10K race in 36 minutes. But last spring — 20 years, 2 children and 50 pounds later — he found himself seriously out of shape. A new Web site from Nike, he says, has brought him back on track.

Since April, Mr. Saenz, 53, has been running with a Nike+, a small sensor in his running shoes that tracks his progress on an Apple iPod he carries. After each run near his home in Louisville, Ky., he docks the iPod into his computer and posts details of his run on the Nike+ Web site. There, he has made friends with other runners around the world who post running routes, meet up in the real world and encourage one another on the site.

Starbucks never lost a minute to make money.

Even though you can not leave your office or the place where you work to get a cup of coffee, Starbucks will never leave you alone, It is next to you no matter what. Here is a good example how Starbucks makes extra profit where you work.
Just click here and you will see how easy is http://www.starbucks.com/business/icup.html

Starbucks save my life....

MICHAEL GATES GILL, who once made about $160,000 a year as an advertising executive and who now earns around $10.50 an hour making coffee at Starbucks, has written a book called “How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else,” and it is so admiring of the firm, one fears he has drunk of the Grande Iced Kool-Aid.
His story — divorced, broke, entitled middle-aged white guy with brain tumor and no health insurance learns to respect persons of other races who did not go to Yale.
It’s true he doesn’t socialize with his former friends, but he does not feel lonely. He reads, listens to classical music on the radio. The brain tumor, which still worries him, has not grown in the four years since diagnosis, so he does not face imminent surgery. He truly enjoys the work.
“What you are doing is trying to help other people enjoy something,” he says. “It’s not doing Iraq policy, it’s not even doing a serious multimillion dollar ad campaign. It’s just trying to serve a good cup of coffee.”
“I always feel better after working a shift, maybe because my own life feels so complicated — there are so many things you can’t control. You can’t control relationships, you can’t control life, but I can get that drink just the way they want it, that double tall skim latte.”

The expansion strategy of Jamba Juice

Can the new Suits at Jamba Inc. (Nasdaq: JMBA) turn a fruit-and-granola California company into an international sensation? Jamba, which operates a chain of Jamba Juice smoothie cafes, has been working on a major expansion beyond its core California market since it became a public company last November.
So far, the results have left a bad taste in investors’ mouths. The stock has dropped from a high of $12.25 late last year, to about $7.50 today. Over the last 52 weeks, it has reached a low of $6.33. Still, some powerful investors, including the former CEO of Blockbuster Entertainment Group and several analysts, are betting that yogurt and fruit smoothies can become the next fast-food sensation across the United States and overseas.
Jamba is an unusual company, both culturally and financially. It was founded in 1990 by Kirk Perron, a cycling enthusiast in San Luis Obispo, Calif., who craved healthy smoothies after a hard day of cycling. They were hard to find on the road, so he started Juice Club, a franchise of juice joints that later became Jamba Juice.
Its products—blends of fruit juices, yogurt and soymilk—and its fun-loving, healthier-than-thou culture became a hit with the California crowd. It grew into a fast-smoothie chain with several hundred stores by 2006, and shifted to more company-owned stores rather than franchises to increase margins and keep tighter control on quality. Perron left the company a few years ago after turning over management to Paul Clayton, a former president of Burger King North America, in 2000.
Meanwhile, in 2005, Steve Berrard, former CEO of Blockbuster, and a few other wealthy investors created a so-called “blank check” company, Services Acquisition Corp. International, a corporate shell looking for a business to buy. It’s a risky and unusual approach to taking companies public, but has started becoming more prominent in the last couple years.
Services Acquisition went public in July 2005 at $7 and sat at that price until March 2006, when it announced its plans to acquire Jamba Juice and change its name to Jamba Inc. The stock immediately shot up to about $12.
Since then, CEO Clayton has been hiring new executives from companies such as Starbucks, Wal-Mart and Hewlett-Packard. He announced plans to add up to 500 new stores over the next three years to the 633-store chain and has just hired a senior vice president of International from BlockBuster to begin an expansion overseas. Finally, it has started testing “breakfast in a cup” dishes of fruit, fruit blends and granola, and has been hitting several investment bank conferences to talk up plans to create new hot breakfasts.
But things began to slide this summer. The stock closed at $7.83 on Aug. 13, just before the company issued a preliminary report saying that second quarter revenues would be up 14% over a year ago, but comparable store sales had declined by 3.3%. The next day it closed at $6.61.
On Aug. 30, Emeryville, Calif.-based Jamba announced its final quarterly results. Revenues were up 14% to $89.6 million, while net profit was down 93% to $2.3 million or $0.04 per share. But that beat analysts’ expectations of a net of $0.01 per share.
Surprisingly, sales in new markets, such as Oregon, Florida and Las Vegas, were doing well. It was the California stores, currently about half the total number, where sales were down. Jamba offers no real explanation for the softness in California, noting only in its report that same-store sales tend to be highly volatile due to unexpected factors like the weather. Summer is its strongest season, when people are looking for a cool drink rather than a mocha latte. But despite a January cold snap, California has recorded temperatures well above average and rainfall well below average this year, leaving the cause of weakness in its California stores a mystery.
Still, analysts love the strategy and see a new, healthy food-and-drink version of Starbucks in the making. Today, seven analysts rate the stock a “buy” or “strong buy,” with only one hold rating, according to Thomson/First Call. An April 25 report from Capital Growth Financial says that “the public company providing the best one-on-one comparison is Starbucks.” Based on Starbucks’ market cap to revenue ratio of 2.4 to 4.1 this year, the firm has set a target price for Jamba of $13.68 at the end of this calendar year. Price targets from analysts range from $8.50 to $16.50, with a median of $12.
Dean Haskell at Morgan Joseph & Co. admits that the disappointing sales in California might be due to a soft economy leaving people with less disposable income. “It could preclude a change in consumer behavior as they become more conscious about spending,” he says.
But he rates the company a “buy” with a $13 price target. “There’s a lot of growth potential ahead for this company,” he says, especially in 2008 as its expansion strategy bears sweeter fruit.
That is, of course, unless those recalcitrant California customers turn out to presage a bigger trend. Starbucks, at least, enjoys one advantage that Jamba lacks—caffeine to keep its customers coming back every day.

Starbucks is giving away Million of Songs .

SEATTLE (AP) -- Starbucks plans to give away 50 million free digital songs to customers in all of its domestic coffee houses to promote a new wireless iTunes music service that's about to debut in select markets.
From Oct. 2 to Nov. 7, baristas in the company's more than 10,000 U.S. stores will hand out about 1.5 million ''Song of the Day'' cards each day. The cards can be redeemed at Apple Inc.'s online iTunes Store.
Thirty-seven artists with featured songs include Paul McCartner and Joni Mitchell -- the first two to sign on with Starbucks' Hear Music label -- along with Joss Stone, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Annie Lennox and Band of Horses.
The first song will be Bob Dylan's ''Joker Man.''
Also on Oct. 2, Starbucks will start selling iTunes digital release cards that allow a full album of music and bonus material to be downloaded online. KT Tunstall's ''Drastic Fantastic'' and the soundtrack to the film ''Into the Wild'' with new music from Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder will be the first two featured albums, retailing for $14.99 and $11.99, respectively.
Starbucks also will offer a limited-edition reloadable purchasing card that includes two free iTunes downloads when customers register their cards online.
Earlier this month, Starbucks and Apple announced a partnership that will allow users of Apple's iPhone and new iPod Touch to download songs playing in a Starbucks shop directly to their portable devices.
The coffee chain's icon will light up on the iPhone or Touch whenever a user is within range of a Starbucks shop's Wi-Fi signal. People with the devices -- or a laptop with iTunes software -- will also be able to use the signal for free to browse and buy other iTunes music.
The service will launch at 600 Starbucks shops in Seattle and New York on Oct. 2, then roll out in San Francisco in early November.
Starbucks plans to have the service up and running in a quarter of its stores by the end of next year and in all U.S. stores with wireless networks by the end of 2009. There are no immediate plans to expand the service to international markets.
Starbucks has been selling CDs in its stores for years and added its music catalog to iTunes last fall.
Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks' entertainment division, declined to release any specifics on the company's digital music sales so far or compare how they've been stacking up to CD sales. He would only say that music in both formats has been selling well.
Expectations remain high for the upcoming wireless service. ''We're going to see huge improvement in terms of the amount of tracks'' that are downloaded, Lombard said.

Starbucks.... Part-Time Jobs With Benefits

If you're looking for or thinking about switching to part-time work, don't think that you have to give up benefits in exchange for more flexibility. More and more companies today are offering benefits to part-time employees in attempts to attract and retain harder-working, more-qualified worker

Benefits

In addition to a benefits package that include medical insurance, a retirement package and stock options, each "partner" who works 20 or more hours per week receives a pound of free coffee each week.

Howard Schultz, Starbucks CEO Dropped off this year

Starbucks shares are off 32% over the past year as the gourmet coffee chain struggles to maintain strong same-store sales growth. That performance has cost Schultz, who owns 17.7 million shares as of the latest filing, about $229 million. To reverse course, he's banking on more overseas stores and an expanded product line that includes coffee-chocolate drinks. Schultz isn't even universally beloved in his home base of Seattle anymore--his 2006 sale of the NBA's Supersonics has some speculating the team will abandon the area for Oklahoma City.

Fall is here and Starbucks is ready.

The pumpkin spice latte is back in the season.

Pumpkin Spice Latte a delicious blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors combined with our signature espresso and freshly steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.

Starbucks Stock information of last week

Common Stock Starbucks Corporation's common stock is traded on Nasdaq, under the trading symbol SBUX. Since our Initial Public Offering in 1992, we've had five 2-for-1 stock splits


Date Requested
09/07/07
Closing Price
$27.16
Volume
7,586,300
Split Adjustment Factor
1:1
Open
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Starbucks Corporation.

Company Information
Retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee operating in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. The Company also produces and sells bottledFrappuccino(R) drinks, DoubleShot(TM) drinks and a line of ice creams.

9% Rise in Profit for Starbucks
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 2, 2007
SEATTLE, Aug. 1 (AP) — The Starbucks Corporation, the world’s largest specialty coffee retailer, said Wednesday that quarterly profit climbed 9 percent as the company opened 668 stores, and it announced plans to continue expanding at an equally blistering pace next year.
Earnings for the three months that ended July 1, the company’s third fiscal quarter, rose to $158.3 million, or 21 cents a share, from $145.5 million, or 18 cents a share, during the same period last year.
Results matched Wall Street’s expectations, according to analysts polled by Thomson Financial.
Revenue jumped 20 percent to $2.36 billion, from $1.96 billion in the year-ago quarter, falling just short of analysts’ estimated $2.39 billion.
Sales at Starbucks’ 14,396 locations around the world jumped 21 percent to $2.01 billion, from $1.66 billion last year.
Starbucks announced plans to open 2,600 stores in the 2008 fiscal year, an increase of 200 from this year’s target.
Shares of Starbucks gained 52 cents to close at $27.20.