Starbucks opens first store at Jersey airport

The Jersey Airport store is the first to open under a new licensing agreement between Alpha and Starbucks with the second store due to open at Dublin International Airport later this week. The new store openings are part of a structured roll out programme of Starbucks airport store launches planned over the next few years. Under the licensing agreement the stores will be staffed and managed by Alpha in line with Starbucks prescribed format and brand parameters. Starbucks will provide products, e.g. coffee, food and merchandise as well as staff training, and operational and marketing support. Commenting today, Rupert Lawrie, director of business alliances for Starbucks, said: "We are delighted to be opening the first Starbucks store in Jersey. Alpha shares our commitment in offering the highest quality products and great customer service. We look forward to launching further stores at airports in the UK so we can deliver the Starbucks Experience to even more travelling customers." Peter Williams, Chief Executive of Alpha added: "The Starbucks Coffee Company is renowned for delivering the perfect coffee experience and this brand partnership will deliver a key component of Alpha's portfolio. We are pleased to be opening what will be the first in a series of airport stores around the UK as part of an ongoing partnership between Alpha and Starbucks." Julian Green, Jersey Airport Director commented: "We are delighted that Starbucks has chosen Jersey Airport as a location to launch their international brand into the Island. As the world's leading retailer in speciality coffee this is a mark of confidence in Jersey Airport and I am sure the Starbucks experience will be appreciated by both passengers and residents alike." The introduction of Starbucks' licensing to the UK in 2005 has been a significant development by the company opening up new avenues which previously would not have been accessible to the brand, such as hotels, transport hubs, business centres and now universities.