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Company Press Release

Starbucks Reports March Comparable Store Sales Increase of 10%

Howard Schultz Promotes Orin Smith to CEO

Schultz to Assume New Role as Chairman and Chief Global Strategist

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 2000--Starbucks Corporation (Nasdaq:SBUX - news) today reported consolidated net revenues of $204 million for the five-week period ended April 2, 2000, an increase of 33 percent from consolidated net revenues of $154 million for the same period in fiscal 1999. On a comparable store sales basis (stores open for at least 13 months), sales at company-operated stores increased 10 percent for the five weeks ended April 2, 2000 as compared to the same five-week period in fiscal 1999.

For the 26 weeks ended April 2, 2000, consolidated net revenues were $1.03 billion, an increase of 32 percent from consolidated net revenues of $781 million for the same period in fiscal 1999. Comparable store sales increased 8 percent for the 26-week period ended April 2, 2000, as compared to the same 26-week period in fiscal 1999.

``As in January and February, sales results for March have once again exceeded our expectations,'' said Howard Schultz, chairman and ceo. ``Our strong revenue performance in our core business has been an outstanding accomplishment. However, I want to continue reiterating our expectation of middle single-digit comparable store sales growth and 25 percent total revenue growth for our core businesses through the remainder of fiscal 2000.''

In a move designed to accelerate growth in its global retail business, Starbucks also announced that effective June 1, 2000, Schultz, who remains chairman of the Board, will assume the new role of chief global strategist so that he can dedicate more of his time to the company's global expansion and international brand development. Orin Smith, president and coo, will become Starbucks new chief executive officer.

``I take great pride in announcing that Orin Smith, my long-term business partner in building Starbucks, will become Starbucks new chief executive officer,'' said Schultz. ``His well-deserved promotion represents a formalization of our roles and recognizes the outstanding leadership he has demonstrated over the years. We are extremely fortunate to have a person of Orin's business acumen and years of Starbucks experience step into the chief executive officer's role.''

During Smith's tenure at Starbucks, the company has grown from 45 stores with sales of $19 million to more than 2,800 stores and annualized sales of greater than $2 billion.

Schultz's commitment to the company and its goal of becoming a great, enduring brand is stronger than ever. Widely known as the architect of the company's brand image, Schultz will continue to provide strategic direction, serve as the vision and voice of the Starbucks brand as well as identify new business alliances and development initiatives. Additionally, he will apply his brand-building expertise to Starbucks international markets and global expansion.

``I am looking forward to working with and supporting Peter Maslen, who is president of Starbucks Coffee International, as he directs our international growth,'' Schultz said. ``Since joining Starbucks in 1999, Peter has brought valuable insight and creative leadership to our international efforts.''

On the international front, Starbucks has rapidly expanded from its first store in Tokyo, Japan, opened in 1996, to more than 350 stores in the Pacific Rim, the Middle East and the United Kingdom today. Currently, the company has retail locations in 13 international markets with plans to enter another six (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Australia, Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia) markets and continental Europe. The company's goal is to have 500 stores in the Pacific Rim and 500 stores in Europe by the end of fiscal year 2003.

``We are pleased that success in our international markets has come earlier than expected, and we must seize the moment,'' said Schultz. ``As I have previously said, we believe that we are still in the very early days of Starbucks growth cycle and that we can surpass 20,000 Starbucks stores worldwide. I am extremely excited that I will be able to focus more of my attention on our international efforts.'' Schultz will be traveling to China and South Korea at the end of April to attend the opening of two new international markets.

Smith joined Starbucks in 1990 as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He was promoted to president and coo in 1994. In this position, he has been responsible for all of the company's retail operations, wholesale operations, business and strategic alliances, coffee roasting and distribution, human resources, finance, marketing, communications and public affairs, and general administrative functions.

``I am very honored to succeed Howard Schultz, a true visionary, and take the helm of a dynamic company that is recognized by many as one of the leading lifestyle brands in the world,'' said Smith. ``I am more enthusiastic today about the opportunities that are before us than at any other time in the 10 years I have been with Starbucks.''

``We have enjoyed incredible success, which can be attributed to our talented, high-performing, dedicated team,'' added Smith. ``I am very proud to be a part of such an outstanding management team whose collective experience and business expertise have positioned us to accelerate our growth, build shareholder value and help the company become the most recognized and respected brand in the world.''

Smith earned a master of business administration degree from the Harvard Business School and is a graduate of the University of Washington.

                           STORE INFORMATION

                               Stores opened during
                                the 26 weeks ended  Stores open as of
                                  April 2, 2000       April 2, 2000
                                  -------------       -------------
Continental North America:
 Company-Operated Stores               202                2,233
 Licensed Stores                        89                  265
                                     -----                -----
                                       291                2,498
International:
 Company-Operated U.K. Stores           32                 127
 Licensed Stores                        76                 260
                                     -----                -----
                                       108                 387

Total                                  399                2,885
                                     =====                =====

Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its more than 2,800 retail locations in North America, the United Kingdom, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East, Starbucks sells coffee and tea products through its specialty operations, including its online store at starbucks.com. Additionally Starbucks produces and sells bottled Frappuccino coffee drink and a line of superpremium ice creams through its joint venture partnerships and offers a line of innovative premium teas produced by its wholly owned subsidiary, Tazo Tea Company.

     Starbucks Coffee Company
     Alan Gulick, 206/318-8482, agulick@starbucks.com
     or
     Starbucks Investor Relations
     Tracy Moran, 206/318-7806, tmoran@starbucks.com
     http://www.businesswire.com/cnn/sbux.htm
     NOD+ number is: 800/239-0317