It's hard to fault Starbucks'
But Starbucks recognizes that its formula can also be applied outside the coffee arena. The Seattle-based company has steadily expanded into other items, including CD sales. In the wake of its sale of 700,000 copies of a Ray Charles album last year, Starbucks' initiatives in the music area have begun to get more serious. For example, the company revealed in April that it signed a new band to its record label, marking a departure from its earlier practice of selling only compilations from established artists.
Today, the company announced what can only be called a major coup for its music business. As part of an agreement with Sony
There's no need to be concerned that Starbucks will supplant the neighborhood music store, but more deals like the Dylan arrangement may be in the offing. As the company leverages its strengths into music and other areas, Starbucks will only become more and more addictive.
Fool contributor Brian Gorman is a freelance writer in Chicago. He does not own shares of any companies mentioned in this article.