USA TODAY On Sale In Starbucks Nationwide Beginning March 15th

MCLEAN, Va., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today, USA TODAY will be available to Starbucks (Nasdaq: SBUX) customers nationwide. The newspaper will be available in the coffee company's approximately 6,500 company-operated stores across the United States.

Research* has shown that Starbucks core customers enjoy getting their news from national newspapers.  Additionally, trends show that people prefer to get their news from more sources. The offering of USA TODAY in stores not only serves to enhance the customer experience by providing more reading opportunities, but also is a direct response to consumers' trends of news consumption.

"Starbucks customers have a high level of interest in staying current in national and global affairs and often look to newspapers as their way to stay connected. We look forward to being a part of the Starbucks experience that is enjoyed by millions across the country each day," said David L. Hunke, president and publisher of USA TODAY.

"Whether it's through our customized espresso beverages or by offering multiple newspaper options in our stores, we want our customers to have the opportunity to personalize their Starbucks Experience," said Cliff Burrows, president, Starbucks Coffee U.S.   

Starbucks customers now will have a choice of USA TODAY, The New York Times, or their local newspaper.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

USA TODAY was founded in 1982 with a mission to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its flagship newspaper and popular Web site, USA TODAY engages the national conversation and connects readers online through social media applications. USA TODAY, the nation's number one newspaper in print circulation with a total average daily print circulation of nearly 1.9 million, and USATODAY.com, an award-winning newspaper Web site which launched in 1995, reach a combined 6.1 million readers daily. The USA TODAY news and information brand also includes: USA TODAY Education, USA TODAY Mobile, and USA TODAY Sports Weekly. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

*Source: MRI 2009 Doublebase

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