Sunday, December 07, 2003

Move over Starbucks...

Move over, Starbucks. There may be a coffee bar coming to a Wal-Mart near you. The discount chain is testing the idea in its Plano, Texas, store. But is there really a demand for a gourmet (read: tres pricey) cup o' joe at the bargain haunt? Ah, but there's a catch. In true Wal-Mart tradition, Kicks Coffee Cafe, the vendor renting the space, offers prices 7 to 10 percent cheaper than those at Starbucks. There's espresso, latte . . . hot chocolate, chai tea, and goodies like muffins and sandwiches. The setting is most un-Wal-Mart like: dim lights, wood tables, armchairs, soft music. Early reviews? "One hundred percent positive," says manager Greg O'Hagan. Kicks Coffee cafes are set to open in as many as 10 more Wal-Marts next month.


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