Blue Bottle makes Mainland China debut
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Blue Bottle Coffee opened its first store in the Chinese mainland on Friday in Shanghai, a city boasting the highest number of coffee shops worldwide.
Naming its Shanghai debut “Yutong Cafe”, the American coffee chain selected a historic venue by Suzhou Creek, a river that passes through the Shanghai city center, symbolizing its resonance with the local market.
The two-storey, vintage-looking building houses a selection of classic drip coffee and its signature espresso-based drinks. It also provides snacks inspired by an iconic portfolio from its worldwide operations.
Unique to the Shanghai store are offerings from merchandise co-created with a local illustrator to a pastry palette featuring local specialties.
The California-headquartered coffee brand was founded in 2002. Apart from the US, it currently has over 100 branches in markets like Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.
A study by Shanghai Jiao Tong University said Shanghai has the most coffee shops of any city globally by January 2021, with more than 6,900 coffee shops in the metropolis.
Shanghai has vowed to build itself into an international consumption city, promoting the concept of a ‘debut economy’, meaning that businesses from home and abroad are attracted to open their first stores and launch new products in Shanghai.
Local authorities expect 1,000 such “first stores” in the city to open last year.
Questions & Answers
Q.Where has Blue Bottle Coffee opened its first store in mainland China?
Where has Blue Bottle Coffee opened its first store in mainland China?
The American coffee chain has opened its debut store in Shanghai. It is located in a historic venue by Suzhou Creek, a river passing through the city centre.
Q.What unique offerings are available at the new Shanghai Blue Bottle store?
What unique offerings are available at the new Shanghai Blue Bottle store?
The Shanghai store offers merchandise co-created with a local illustrator. It also features a pastry palette that includes local specialities, not found elsewhere.
Q.Why did Blue Bottle Coffee choose Shanghai for its mainland China debut?
Why did Blue Bottle Coffee choose Shanghai for its mainland China debut?
Shanghai is considered a key location, boasting the highest number of coffee shops worldwide. The city actively promotes a 'debut economy' to attract first-time store openings.
Q.What is the global presence of Blue Bottle Coffee outside the US?
What is the global presence of Blue Bottle Coffee outside the US?
Apart from its home market in the US, Blue Bottle Coffee currently operates over 100 branches in several Asian markets. These include Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
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