Starbucks (SBUX.NASDAQ) announced it will more than triple the number of its mainland China stores over the next five years, eventually making China its largest market outside the US, the Wall Street Journal reported. At present, the Seattle-based coffee chain has 406 stores in China and plans to have more than 1,500 by 2015. John Culver, Starbucks international president, said the company is focusing on expanding its international business and plans to open 400 new stores worldwide next year. Emphasis is being placed on China, where store operating profits have been higher than in the US. Currently, Canada is Starbucks’ second-largest market.
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