All retail outlets generally go out of their way to ‘look a lot like Christmas’ during the holidays. Starbucks has done this as well and in my opinion it has been done with a charming and beautiful feel. Particularly in the earlier years of the 2000’s. It still is quite wonderful and festive, but to save some money I am sure they have scaled back on specially produced items for printed signage materials more these days.
As I collect only ornaments, the various In-Store Marketing (ISM) displays have not been items I search out. But I have over the years appreciated them greatly and even was tempted from time to time to ask if I might have some of them when the season was over. I sadly never did, but to me, one who decorates the entire house for Christmas, the displays were often so creative and of such quality, they would have been welcome in my home.
Recently, however, I learned a few years featured ornaments as the decoration and so that entered into my collectible field of view. I discovered a display tree that is from the early 2000’s. I know little about it and as I do more research, will update this post with details. The tree itself is nearly 6′ tall and is really impressive.
Later in 2009 for the “Wishes” theme, Starbucks employed a “paper cut” design pattern creating numerous items in felt, paper and more. Some had beautiful filigree designs and cost out words such as wish, joy, hope, love. There was a wide array of product matching this theme.
The ornament tree is not included in our catalog as part of the collection, but I have included the three felt ornaments in the “Dual-Purpose” category. They serve as ornaments AND marketing decorations. But the decorations were just ornaments. So the case could be made to just call them ornaments outright. As they were not sold to the general public was the deciding factor that led to this decision.
I am not certain of the ‘official’ Starbucks policy of what is to be done with these displays after their use, but I suspect in most cases they were to be destroyed and disposed of. I am so pleased these survived to find their way into my collection and I hope you enjoy them as well.
Hey Len! Love your site! As a fellow Starbucks enthusiast it has been a pleasure to come across. I found you while doing some research. I have a large collection of starbucks christmas decorations that were used in retail stores and then given to me by employees. I am going to be selling it on eBay, but I thought I would reach out to you first. If you are interested or know anyone else that might be interested, let me know. Otherwise, maybe our paths will cross while waiting for coffee one day! Cheers