Starbucks Corp.‘s top international executive said the chain plans to continue expanding its modest presence in France after striking a deal to take full control of the country’s operations.
In France, “there is a tremendous opportunity because of the availability [and] quality of real estate for us to continue an aggressive expansion path,” said Martin Coles, the head of international operations. “We’re talking about an economy, a population base and [economic] growth every bit as good as a market like the U.K.,” where the company operates around 750 stores, he said.
U.S.-based Starbucks opened its first French location in January 2004 and now operates more than 50 locations in and around Paris and Lyon, employing about 800 people in the country.
“I think we were worried initially about whether there would be acceptance” of the chain in France, Mr. Coles said, amid a strong cafe culture and predictions that the French wouldn’t embrace an American chain.
Photo: AFP/ Get Images.