Starbucks comes to Moscow

6 Sep, 2007 13:58 / Updated 17 years ago

U.S. coffee giant Starbucks has opened its first cafe in Russia. It is in a shopping mall on the outskirts of Moscow, offering all the Starbucks favourites along with a menu designed for the local market.

A second outlet is due to open in the Russian capital later this year. Even though Starbucks wasn't packed on its opening day, it did attract a small crowd. It may face tough competition in Russia from other established coffee shops. And one chain is selling its own blend at a 20 % discount in a bid to retain customers.