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While researching for a post on Starbucks' recent store closures in the US to enable staff training, I came across their company website.

What interested me is the tone of the press releases. They are written as letters to Starbucks partners (employees).

I expected the usual corporate speak of performance indicators, benchmarks, profits etc, but instead the CEO who signs himself as "Howard" has a much more informal tone.

It's almost conversational in parts, but still contains a lot of information.  Some other  "letters" are almost blog like, telling about his favorite coffee etc.

Now, I don't work at Starbucks, so I don't know how these memos are regarded internally. It would be interesting to hear an insider's view.

From an outsider and potential consumer's point of view, the press releases have something of a human touch.

They are not only about features but about benefits too - to both customers and employees.

I don't see a Starbucks business blog as part of the website. This would be an interesting addition, especially if they allowed the interactivity of customer feedback, comments and suggestions. 

Starbucks indicates it wants to connect with customers. A blog would allow two way connection, which could benefit all. If there already is a Starbucks blog, but I've missed it, I'd love to check it out.