More Starbucks to open in Target stores

MSN.money is reporting that Starbucks has seized upon a new expansion idea -- one that removes any real-estate risk. Forget the responsibility from a stand-alone location. Why not just plant more mini-cafes in Target stores?

The coffee chain plans to open more "licensed stores" than company-owned stores next year, The Wall Street Journal reports. These licensed cafes are important to the company because they serve a dual purpose. In addition to selling coffee, the cafes point shoppers to the growing number of Starbucks-branded products on store aisles.

Encouraged by the success of its Via instant coffee (which I blogged about back in October) Starbucks wants to ramp up the number of products it sells at supermarkets and other stores. Via sales have topped $100 million in the U.S., according to the Journal.