Starbucks to Add Books to the Mix

On August 8, Starbucks announced that the next phase of its "overall entertainment initiative" would be integrating books into its entertainment offerings. The nationwide promotion will begin on October 3, 2006, with the sale of Mitch Albom's upcoming novel, For One More Day (Hyperion). Starbucks Entertainment president Ken Lombard told the Associated Press that For One More Day will be sold at full price and that Starbucks has no plans for a major expansion of books or other entertainment offerings.

The coffee-chain already offers a selection of CDs and DVDs and has been selling the children's title The Little Engine That Could.

Starbucks' promotion plans for For One More Day include in-store signage, an online video conversation with Albom, and an eight-city author tour. Starbucks also announced that it would contribute one dollar from each sale, with a minimum contribution of $50,000 overall, to Jumpstart, an educational organization that works with preschoolers.

"I am honored that Starbucks has chosen my book, and I am proud to support any effort that helps bring people together to read," said Mitch Albom in a Starbucks press release. To launch Starbucks' new program, Albom will participate in "Conversations with Mitch Albom," a series of appearances at various Starbucks locations to discuss his new book and promote literacy. The Starbucks in-store events will begin on October 3.