• MSNBC, Tuesday, September 11, 2007 12:30 PM

Aware of the pitfalls of being seen as trying to lure kids to drink sweet, caffeinated beverages, Starbucks has for years insisted that it does not market to children--even as stroller traffic jams build outside some stores and teenagers pack others. Now, the company is revising its stance, acknowledging that the under-18 set is part of the chain's customer base.

There are still no plans to market specifically to children, according to Starbucks spokesman Brandon Borrman. But he says Starbucks is considering whether to add new drinks or drink sizes that better meet the needs of kids or teens. Borrman says the company also now recognizes that its stores are a family destination. That means you might see an ad for the company that features a family.

"There's certainly an opportunity there for the company to increase business," says analyst John Owens of Morningstar. But he points out that it walks a fine line if it is seen as doing anything specifically to appeal to a younger audience.

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