Starbucks expands in Southeast Asia

Seattle — Starbucks Coffee Company is opening its first store in Brunei, the company’s 64th global market, and its 100th store in Singapore, which will give people with autism the opportunity for employment and skills.



“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.



Starbucks will open its first store in Brunei on Feb. 16 at Mabohai Mall. The first Brunei Starbucks store has been designed to reflect Starbucks 43-year coffee heritage, while embracing the country’s distinctive local traditions and culture. Key features in this magnificent space include a “slow bar” which serves coffee, using the traditional Pour-Over brewing method, and a floor-to-ceiling glass window. In addition, this store features locally-sourced furnishings, including traditional baskets from the local markets which have been repurposed as decorative artwork within the store.



In addition, Starbucks’ nearly decade-long alliance with the Autism Resource Center (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 100th store opening in Singapore, six partners with autism have been hired to work at the store, with the goal to expand the relationship with the Autism Resource Center in the coming years.



The company is on track to expand its footprint by adding approximately 750 stores across Starbucks China and Asia Pacific region in 2014. Southeast Asia will play a significant role in this growth, driven both within existing markets, including Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, as well as new markets such as Brunei.