Memoirs of Beijing

Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to warm yourself up than sip the Christmas beverages at Starbucks.  Furthermore, to make it merrier, Starbucks is launching the 12 Days of Christmas promo.

12 Days of Gifting

For 12 days starting from December 1, Starbucks store in mainland China will have a daily promo for their customers.  Here are some of the promos that they’re having based from conversations with the baristas.

• December 1 (Thursday):  Free upsize for every purchase of Christmas beverage
• December 2 (Friday): Buy a Steel Christmas released tumbler and get a free tall beverage
• December 3 (Saturday):  Get 20% off on snack foods sold in the counter.
• December 4 (Sunday):  Buy 3 Coffee Press and get a free Starbucks Timer
• December 5 (Monday):  For every purchase of a bag of whole beans, you will get a free 3 pack VIA.
• December 6 (Tuesday):  For every purchase of a 12 pack VIA, you will get a free 3 pack VIA.
• December 7 (Wednesday):  Free upsize for every purchase of Christmas beverage
• December 8 (Thursday):  Buy a Christmas version of the Starbucks Rewards Card and get a free tall Cafe Latte
• December 9 (Friday):  Breakfast meal @ RMB 30:  pastry and tall beverage
• December 10 (Monday):  Buy a Christmas tumbler and get a free cup of daily coffee.
• December 11 (Tuesday):  Buy one beverage and get 50% off on pastries and sandwiches
• December 12 (Wednesday):  Buy one get one daily coffee.

Moreover, from December 1 to 31, for every purchase of the new Christmas Starbucks Rewards card, you will get a free card case.  I had a look at this case already and I was not impressed.  It’s made of cardboard and pretty low quality.  You could create a better one on your own.

New Mainland China Stores

On 30 September 2011, Starbucks opened its first store in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province.  The store is located on the first floor of Wanda Plaza.  Shijiazhuang city mugs, tumblers and demitasse are available for purchase.

On 11 November 2011, Starbucks opened its first store in neighbouring city Langfang in Hebei province.  The store is located on the first floor of Wanda Plaza.  I can’t confirm if they have their own city tumblers, mugs and demitasse yet but according to the Starbucks website, from November 18 to December 9, for every RMB 119 single receipt purchase, you will get a free 3 oz city mug.

On 18 November 2011, Starbucks opened its first store in the main transportation hub of Zhengzhou in Henan province. 

For tourists planning to visit Harbin for their annual Ice and Snow Festival, you won’t have to worry of finding a good cup of coffee as Starbucks will open its first store in this northern city on 1 December 2011.  The store is located on the ground floor of Songlei Mall, just outside 55 Central Avenue.  Taobao is already selling their city tumbler way before the grand opening of the store.  Maybe the seller is getting it directly from the factory.  He/she would be my friend’s best friend if that’s the case. 

Well.. that’s it for now for Starbucks.  Stay tuned for more updates.  According to the baristas, the Chinese New Year merchandise will be released by 1 or 2 January 2012.  Hopefully a preview of the merchandise will be available mid-December.  If so, I will be posting it here for your viewing pleasure.