Today, Starbucks is celebrating the release of its third Blue Note compilation, this one called On the Count of 3 . It is a core element of our retail environment. Starbucks has tried other ventures, hoping to find other sidelines that mix as naturally as coffee and music. Publication of an in-store magazine, called Joe, stopped after three editions. Starbucks tried its hand at selling books, particularly selections from Oprah's Book Club, but that's also on hiatus.
Customers hear it first, and if they like it, they take it home.
The record company executive told us it was like seeing the dots connect right before his eyes. They contacted us and asked if we wanted to do a CD together. Starbucks' music operation has come a long way since then. Some are responsible for running a small retail chain called Hear Music, which Starbucks bought late last year. Starbucks also has toyed with the idea of launching its own record label, but for now has stuck with the approach of releasing CDs filled out with musicians signed to other labels.