| As a native Chinese living in Australia, I think I understand why so many Chinese people rave about Starbucks. "Starbucks" in China is not just a place to have coffee, it is also a concept of trend and fasion;It is a place to see and to be seen and even a place of success. These "odd" associations with Starbucks are all thanks to its being overpriced and occuping nice scenary spots.
In Australia,local coffee shops are everywhere and they provide nice coffee and nice environment with reasonable prices. So people don't have to go to Starbucks to have a coffee or have a meeting because they have lots of options. However, there are not many alternative coffee shops in China and there are not many proper places to have a meeting outside offices. Starbucks happens to be able to provide the proper environment for young and modern businesspeople to have a meeting. That's why it is so popular in China. I personally prefer my local coffee shop to Starbucks. |
Pudong Starbucks is Nice