Porter’s Five Forces Framework to the Specialty Coffee Retail Industry

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MAC-652 Case1.1 a. Porter’s five forces framework to the specialty coffee retail industry 1. Rivalry among existing firms: The rivalry is moderate among existing firms. Starbucks faces intense competition with coffee beverage retailers including McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, Tim Hortons, and convenience stores. However, Starbucks provides unique experience of premium coffee drinks and service. This makes Starbucks a high brand loyalty. Although a number of companies are expanding their business, these firms are much smaller than Starbucks. 2. Threat of new entrants: The threat of new entrants is relatively low. Starbucks develops a global brand with offering unique experience. By the end of 2012, Starbucks has 18,066 locations worldwide. Moreover, Starbucks has an excellent cost control strategy including purchase coffee beans under fixed price and cooperate with local dairy suppliers. Starbucks provides high quality experiences with a low price at convenient locations. However, potential threats do exist from growing chains of retail coffee shops including Panera Bread, Diedrich Coffee, and Caribou Coffee Company. 3. Threat of substitutes: The treat of substitutes is moderate. Comparing to premium coffee, soft drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and water are cheaper and easier to get. But it is hard for customer to change the buying habit. 4. Buyer power: Buyer power is low. A cup of coffee is small expenditure for consumers. Consumers will be less sensitive to the small expenditures. Additionally, Starbucks not only sells premium coffee, but also the experience. Consumers would like to pay more for the coffee and experience. 5. Supplier power: Supplier power is low. Starbucks purchases premium coffee beans under fixed price contracts with various suppliers. Starbucks also purchases dairy products from local stores. And

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