"Starbucks News Watch"

Dec 08, 2005 (Daily Mail - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) --

Marks & Spencer Lures Starbucks Customers

Amid increasing signs of a revival at Marks & Spencer, chief executive Stuart Rose has decided to branch into takeaway food and beverages to lure customers from coffee giant Starbucks. A new food hall opened in its Kensington store in west London on Tuesday, with a sit-down food bar where ladies who lunch can sip champagne and eat salads. There is also a deli counter and takeaway area serving pasta, wraps and drinks. Trials of hot food are also under way in Newcastle, Milton Keynes and Birmingham. The expensive revamp in Kensington signals renewed confidence in the company. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the stores are far busier than last year.