Traditionally, Starbucks was not keen at investing on marketing. Word-of mouth cost-effective form of marketing based on high quality of products and high level of customer services was the main channel promoting the brand for years. However, rapidly intensifying level of competition motivated the senior management to reassess the marketing strategy and Starbucks marketing budget has been consistently increasing during the last five years to reach USD 315.5 million for the fiscal year 2014. This budget is invested into various elements of print and media advertising, sales promotions, events and experiences, public relations and direct marketing.