A&P Signs Agreement to Operate Starbucks Locations.

Starbucks stores are coming to select A&P stores

Shoppers provided an opportunity to savor the Starbucks Experience, openings scheduled to begin November 2007

MONTVALE, N.J. -- The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P) signed a licensing agreement to operate Starbucks stores in select A&P locations in the Northeast.

A&P said that under this agreement Starbucks stores will be established in select A&P Fresh and Gourmet/Fine Foods stores under the A&P banner in the Northeast. Initial locations are scheduled to open in New Jersey this November.

Whether indulging on the go, or relaxing in comfortable seating areas, shoppers will savor all the familiar surroundings of the Starbuck Experience. Store associates will be certified baristas and assigned exclusively to the Starbucks store operations. The stores will offer a full beverage menu - including espresso drinks, brewed coffees, Frappuccino[R] blended beverages, and Tazo[R] tea - as well as Starbucks cookies, pastries and other baked selections.

Available merchandise will include mugs, CDs and other gift items, while Wi-Fi will be available at some locations.

Rebecca Philbert, A&P senior vice president of Merchandising said, "We're excited to engage in this new relationship and to reward our customers with the Starbucks Experience. This is a perfect complement to the elevated level of customer service that is increasingly defining A&P."

Also commenting on the announcement, Eric Claus, president and chief executive officer of A&P, said, "The transformation taking place in our Fresh and Fine Foods operations is all about being the best of the best. When it comes to coffee and related specialties, we are excited to bring Starbucks commitment to quality to our customers."

Founded in 1859, A&P is one of the nation's first supermarket chains. The Company operates 337 stores in eight states and the District of Columbia under the following trade names: A&P, Waldbaum's, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh, Sav-A-Center and Food Basics.