Starbucks leftovers at the Pudong airport

The current web trend of exposing Starbucks clones worldwide has finally landed in Shanghai, where the Pudong airport has not so much a Starbucks knockoff, but a very poor attempt to cover up what once was a real Starbucks (we think). Gridskipper comments on this Flickr photo:

The most heinous entry yet in our litany of international Starbucks heists: a pre-existing Starbucks in the Shanghai Airport was forcibly removed, though the nameless new coffeshop decided to keep the “COFFEE” part of the Starbucks sign. Observe how the letters have been inexpertly moved to the center and crowded together, then topped with what appears to be a giant coffee photo plate. Both shameless and shameful.

UPDATE: Shanghaiist reader Stephen claims this photo is from Shenzhen, not Shanghai (see his comment below). The photo was tagged "shanghai" and "pudongairport" by the guy who took the photo. What do the rest of you say?

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By Dan Washburn in Food/Drink, Other on August 5, 2005 2:18 PM

Comments [rss]

John

Totally agree with comments on Pudong airport. It really does need a Starbucks. However one correction concerning Shenzhen airport. You can now find Starbucks at terminal A arrivals. But like Pudong; once you have checked in and entered the departure area, forget any chance of finding a Starbucks.

mitch

Not to mention the fact that he's using what appears to be a Nescafe visual!2 major rip-offs in one. Impressive.

lon

Starbucks would be a welcome addition to Pudong or Shenzhen airports, IMHO. Pud, especially, has to be one of the most boring places on earth to wait. At least Hongqiao has a McDonalds.

Paul

I don't think there's ever been a Starbucks at Pudong? Small mercy really

Wil

That's right. Starbucks would be way too class for the Shanghai airport.

Stephen

That's the Shenzen airport - I've seen this coffee shop. There was never a real Starbucks there but there was a real Starbucks sign which are probably made in Southern China. Inside there is a Starbucks menu but with only coffee, mocha, and latte on it - all over-priced and crap

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