The new Starbucks growth strategy is "infill" — putting Starbusian embassies on the top floors of office buildings that aloready have one in the lobby, putting them across the street from each other — I'm waiting for the little "Starbucks Mini" to open inside another Starbucks.
The coffee chain's aggressive growth also hinges on what the company calls "infill" – adding stores in cities where its mermaid logo is already commonplace. In some cases, that means putting a Starbucks within a block of an existing store, if not closer.
While Starbucks knows there's plenty to lure people into their stores, they also recognize that many people can't be bothered to walk very far – or wait very long – for an optional and pricey treat.
"Going to the other side of the street can be a barrier," said Launi Skinner, senior vice president in charge of Starbucks' store development.
(via We Make Money Not Art)
Update: Ethan sez, "It looks like the Onion scooped you in its 1998 'news' article, New Starbucks Opens In Rest Room Of Existing Starbucks"
Update 2: Rafael sends in this Lewis Black rant about Starbucks proliferation.
