SEATTTLE, US – Starbucks Coffee Company celebrates two significant milestones in Southeast Asia, opening its first store in Brunei – the company’s 64th global market – and its 100th store in Singapore.
It’s not often a royal family is on hand for the opening of a Starbucks store. A celebration marking Starbucks first store in Brunei included Her Royal Highness Pengrian Anak Isteri, sister of the Queen consort of Brunei Pengiran Anak Saleha, and many members of her family.
Brunei is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. For reference, it is just a little smaller than the U.S. state of Delaware.
The Starbucks opened February 16, 2014 at one of the most popular shopping destinations in Brunei, Mabohai Mall.
“The Starbucks China and Asia Pacific region continues to be at the forefront of the company’s global expansion initiatives, and we continue to be humbled by the warm reception we receive from our customers.” said John Culver, group president, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific, Channel Development and Emerging Brands.
“Our continued success in the region is because of the passionate partners (employees) – across what is now 15 markets in the region – who deliver the unique Starbucks Experience to our customers every day.
“Those moments of connection between the barista and customer are just as important with the opening of our first store in Brunei and the 100th store in Singapore.”
The first Brunei Starbucks store has been designed to reflect Starbucks 43-year coffee heritage, while embracing the country’s distinctive local traditions and culture.
Key features include a ‘slow bar’ which allows customers to enjoy their favorite Starbucks whole bean coffee, using the traditional Pour-Over brewing method, and a floor-to-ceiling glass window that brings the tranquility of the nearby Tasek Lama Recreational Park into the store.
In addition, this store features locally-sourced furnishings, including traditional baskets from the local markets which have been repurposed as decorative artwork within the store.
This store opening milestone marks Starbucks 15th market in its China and Asia Pacific region and its 64th market globally.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Starbucks Experience to customers in Brunei, and are confident that our stores will become a gathering place where our customers can connect with family and friends,” said Jeff Hansberry, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific.
As Starbucks continues its ambitious growth momentum across the China and Asia Pacific region, it is committed to growing through a locally-relevant and community-focused approach.
While the 100th store in Singapore is testament to Starbucks continued market leadership, it also serves to deepen the brand’s relationship with the neighborhood that it serves.
Starbucks nearly decade-long alliance with the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) provides an opportunity for members of the community to receive the necessary job training and support that enable people with autism to join the workforce and lead more independent lifestyles.
Six partners with autism have been hired to work at the store, with the goal to expand the relationship with the Autism Resource Centre in the coming years.
The company is on track to expand its footprint by adding approximately 750 stores across Starbucks China and Asia Pacific region this year.
Southeast Asia will play a significant role in this growth, driven both within existing markets – including Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines – as well as new markets such as Brunei.
