News

Starbucks debuts in Brunei

February 14, 2014

Starbucks Coffee Company today announced two milestones in Southeast Asia, opening its first store in Brunei — the company's 64th global market — and its 100th store in Singapore.

According to a news release, Starbucks will open its first store in Brunei on Feb. 16 at one of the most popular shopping destinations in the country, Mabohai Mall. This milestone marks the company's 15th market in its China and Asia Pacific region.

The first Brunei Starbucks store includes a 'slow bar' which allows customers to enjoy their favorite Starbucks whole bean coffee, using the traditional Pour-Over brewing method, and a floor-to-ceiling glass window and locally-sourced furnishings, including traditional baskets from the local markets which have been repurposed as decorative artwork within the store.

The 100th store in Singapore deepens the brand's relationship with the neighborhood that it serves, the release said. The brand's nearly decade-long alliance with the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) provides an opportunity for members of the community to receive the necessary job training and support that enable people with autism to join the workforce and lead more independent lifestyles. At the time of the store opening, six partners with autism have been hired to work at the store, with the goal to expand the relationship with the Autism Resource Centre in the coming years.

"The Starbucks China and Asia Pacific region continues to be at the forefront of the company's global expansion initiatives, and we continue to be humbled by the warm reception we receive from our customers," said John Culver, group president, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific, Channel Development and Emerging Brands. "Our continued success in the region is because of the passionate partners (employees) — across what are now 15 markets in the region — who deliver the unique Starbucks Experience to our customers every day. Those moments of connection between the barista and customer are just as important with the opening of our first store in Brunei and the 100th store in Singapore."

The company is on track to expand its footprint by adding approximately 750 stores across Starbucks China and Asia Pacific region this year.

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