Starbucks to open concept store in China

Starbucks has announced that it will bring its first international Starbucks Roastery and Reserve Tasting Room to Shanghai, China, in 2017. Located along Nanjing Road (West), one of the world’s busiest shopping destinations, the Roastery will be part of the soon to be built HKRI Taikoo Hui Project, Shanghai’s newest premium world-class retail, office, and hotel area. Scheduled to open in late 2017, the new Starbucks Roastery and Tasting Room in Shanghai will be inspired by the first location that debuted in December 2014 in the company's hometown of Seattle, Washington. The 2,700 square-meter (30,000 square-foot) Shanghai space will reflect a similar, immersive all sensory experience.  This interactive, retail environment will allow customers in China to better understand the craft of roasting and brewing a range of Starbucks coffees including the rare, limited availability of Starbucks Reserve coffees from around the world. “China represents the most important and exciting opportunity ahead of us,” Howard Schultz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, said in a statement. “I am confident this will be one of the most highly-anticipated store openings in our international markets.” China is Starbucks’ largest international market, with more than 2,100 stores across over 102 cities, including 55 Starbucks Reserve stores.