Most of Canada’s 125 to 135 new Target stores will include a Starbucks coffee shop under a new deal between Target Canada Co. and Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc.
“Starbucks has been a valued partner for more than 12 years and an integral part of the Target guest experience in the U.S.,” said John Morioka, senior vice-president of merchandising for Target Canada.
“Our goal is to bring the true Target brand shopping experience to our Canadian guests, so expanding our relationship with Starbucks as we enter the Canadian marketplace is a natural fit.”
Last spring, Target Corp. (NYSE:TGT) announced plans to convert five Metro Vancouver Zellers stores into Target-branded locations, as well as 10 other Zellers locations across B.C.
Target Canada spokeswoman Lisa Gibson confirmed that in B.C., as across Canada, Target plans to open Starbucks locations in the majority of Target stores.
“In the few stores that wouldn’t have a Starbucks, it’s just related to the size of the Target store,” she said, adding that some mall locations may also have agreements that would preclude a new coffee provider.
As to Target’s plans for its B.C. locations, Gibson was unable to confirm whether the 15 stores announced last year will be the final total for the province.
