Starbucks Case Analysis

Starbucks Case Analysis

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary

II. Company Profile

III. Marketing Analysis

IV. Competition

V. Company Product and Services

VI. Recommendations/Conclusion

I. Executive Summary

In 1971, three young entrepreneurs began the Starbucks Corporation in Seattle Washington. Their key goal was to sell whole coffee beans. Soon after, Starbucks began experiencing huge growth, opening five stores all of which had roasting facilities, sold coffee beans and room for local restaurants. In 1987, Howard Schultz bought Starbucks from its original owners for $4 million after expanding Starbucks by opening three coffee bars. These coffee bars were based on an idea that was originally proposed to the owner who recruited him into the corporation as manager of retail and marketing. Overall, Schultz strategy for Starbucks was to grow slow. Starbucks went on to suffer financial losses and overhead operating expenses rose as Starbucks continued its slow expansion process. Despite the initial financial troubles, Starbucks went on to expand to 870 stores by 1996. Sales increased 84%, which brought the corporation out of debt. With the growing success, Starbucks planned to open 2000 stores by year 2000.

II. Company Profile

Starbucks recognizes its employees for much of its success. This is due mostly to maintenance of a great and proven work environment for all employees. The company does not have a formal organizational chart; sot employees are permitted by management to make decisions without a management referral. Moreover, management trust and stands behind the decision of the employees and it is this that allows for employees to thinks for themselves as a part of the business, so as to make them feel as a true asset and not as just another employee.

In addition to being best-known supplier of the finest coffee and promising only the highest quality products, Starbucks emphasizes firm values, provides guidelines to enhance employee self-esteem. This is to ensure continued customer satisfaction. Moreover, diversity has become a priority to providing an inviting environment to all consumers. Starbucks continues to abide by a strict, slow growth policy in which they set out to dominate a market before moving on to expand, thus history has shown this strategy to be successful for Starbucks, making them one the fastest growing companies nationwide.

III. Marketing Analysis

As we know, Starbucks has made a name for itself making and selling coffee and specialty coffee drinks. It has made its biggest impression by becoming the espresso expert and public educator of how to make the perfect espresso; "Roasters" of the company are trained for one year.