SEATTLE -- Starbucks Coffee Co. announced Tuesday it will team with Barnes & Noble Co. to exclusively supply coffee for the national bookstore retailer.
Starbucks officials said the move was made 'to provide a consistent, quality cup of coffee for readers to enjoy while perusing the latest best-sellers.'
Barnes & Noble bookstores will serve Starbucks Coffee in each of the 36 existing and future cafe locations. Cafe staff will receive comprehensive 'coffee training' from Starbucks' representatives over the next four months.
Starbucks Coffee will also own and operate stores with common access to Barnes & Noble bookstores. The Starbucks stores will be part of the Seattle coffee company's retail operations.
The first of its kind will open Sept. 11 in Bellevue, Wash.
Leonard Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble Inc., believes the time is right to introduce Starbucks Coffee to their customers.
'We want to ensure that our customers enjoy a satisfying shopping experience,' Riggio said.
Howard Schultz, chairman and CEO of Starbucks Coffee Co., agrees 'this new relationship will add tremendous value to both our companies' customers.'
