Christmas is in the air and so is it in Starbucks!  A new store just opened up in my building and I’ve becoming a regular customer.  Starbucks is a nice respite away from my office desk which has no view and is facing the wall. 

This Christmas, Starbucks launched new sets of merchandise.  From bears, candles, calendars, planners, mugs, tumblers, ornaments and discount card.  As a newly opened store, customers who has a minimum purchase of RMB 88 will get a chance to win in their lucky draw.  In the lucky draw, you stand a chance to win free drink coupon, free buy one get one coupon, mugs, tumblers and other old edition items.  Out of the 4 times I’ve tried the lucky draw, I wasn’t lucky enough to win any mugs or tumblers.  I’ve wont 3 buy one get one coupon and one free drink coupon.

If you’re friends with the manager of the store, they can also give you a receipt that you fill up with the code online to claim a free drink.  Hmm… I think I’ve had 5 free drinks since the store opened in December 2.  Cool eh? 

For the merchandise, sad to say they’re running out of the Christmas merchandise items.  Even in other stores, the Christmas merchandise are selling like hotcakes.  I was able to purchase two planners at RMB 98 each as gifts for my cousins who are Starbucks collectors.  When you buy a planner, you’ll get a free drink coupon valid at all Beijing and Tianjin Starbucks stores with an expiration of Dec 31, 2010. 

For a minimum purchase of RMB 88, you can also purchase their Christmas ornament, calendar and candle.  The Starbucks candle comes in three design, red, white wide mug and white tall mug version.  The candle cost RMB 12 each.  The Christmas ornament is in the design of a clear tumbler without the straw.  I’m not sure how much it is as they don’t have this at the store in my building.  I forgot the cost of the calendar but you might as well not purchase it unless you’re really collecting it.

The bears, tumblers and mugs are all sold out in the store at my office building.  The tumblers range from RMB 75 to RMB 95.  They come in small and medium sizes.  Some are  for kids, while the other are for adults.  They all come with a Christmas theme with the cartoon-y design of snowmen to simple red and white designs with snowflakes and doves.  The bears are all dressed up in Santa outfit while the mugs ranges from the simple red with Starbucks name to colorful designs which even involves the inside of the mug. 

Last Friday, regular customers can purchase a newly launched discount card.  The discount card costs RMB 88 and it comes with a free drink coupon and four buy one get one free drink coupons valid on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Women’s Day.  Regular customers who purchased the card can get 10% off on all items including beverages, merchandise and food.  The card is valid until April 30, 2010.  I’ve purchased one card and used it already even on discounted merchandises.  It doesn’t have a name on it so, colleagues and friends can borrow your card and avail of the discount.

Well.. I think I’ve said enough and marketed the store too much!  Hahaha!!  Merry Christmas and Happy Coffee drinking!