Starbucks Hopes To Blend In With The Locals

In the US, a shift in preferences has sparked a trend to support local businesses and snub chain stores and restaurants. Consumers' behavior has created a problem for Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), whose shops are infamous for being found on every corner in most major cities throughout the world. Starbucks appeared to have been losing its appeal over the past few years as consumers looked for unique, locally made alternatives. But the coffee giant is hoping to make a comeback with a reworked image that says, "If you can't beat them, join them". Local FlavorIn an effort to stay relevant and fit in with the growing trend to buy local, Starbucks has partnered with a variety of local bakeries to provide customers with homemade treats. In big cities like New York and Washington DC, the coffee chain will add new menu items to incorporate local flavors. The regional treats are expected to give Starbucks more of a local feel and provide customers with an experience unique to a certain area.New DesignStore Design is another way that Starbucks is hoping to revive interest in the coffee chain. Instead of blanketing the globe with a recognizable store design, the company is refreshing many of it's cafes to blend in with the local culture. In Switzerland the company opened up a cafe on a double decker train car, a New Orleans location is adorned with brass horns and a Denver location has been constructed out of shipping containers.