Starbucks Cards launched in China in time for Chinese New Year

While Starbucks has just experienced its busiest time of year for gift cards in its Western markets, the company is now preparing for a rush on them in China ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year will take place on 31 January this year, with the animal sign for the coming year being the horse. The cards can be purchased in three unique designs, including Thank You, Kind Regards and Happy Lunar New Year. Timed to the launch of the Starbucks Gift Card in China, Starbucks is also offering a Lunar New Year Gift Card in participating Starbucks stores in the US. The Card celebrates the joyfulness and self-reliance of the horse, this year’s honored animal of the Lunar New Year. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are traditionally the biggest days for Starbucks card sales in the US. Since the Starbucks Card launched 12 years ago,US$16 billion has been loaded on more than 450 million cards in 27 countries worldwide.