Starbucks closer to launch in India

A useful piece here in Forbes India Magazine about the impending launch of Starbucks in India. Looks like the first Starbucks outlets will open in Autumn 2012, a little behind schedule - but a significant event nonetheless.

We reported earlier on Starbucks’ chosen method of market entry in India - a joint venture with Tata Beverages.

In January 2012, Starbucks announced its objective to open 50 outlets in India by the end of 2012, through a 50-50 joint venture with Tata Global Beverages. The two partners will initially invest a total of $80million to establish the business.

The Forbes article emphasises the role of choosing the right locations for the first stores. Mumbai looks like the first choice and it sounds like prominent positions in mainly business districts are being sought, as well as in well-established shopping malls, alongside other well-known brands such as Hermes, Calvin Klein and Zara.