business news in context, analysis with attitude

• The Seattle Times reports that Starbucks has begin selling its Via instant coffee product through Seattle and Chicago-area Costco stores in addition to its cafés in those markets.

• Costco announced that it will close its two home furnishings stores, called CostcoHome, this July, saying that the recession made their operation untenable and that they did not play into its long-term expansion plans. The stores are located in Kirkland, Washington, and Tempe, Arizona.

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