Final answer:
Starbucks indeed uses GIS software as part of its site selection strategy to analyze various factors that contribute to the optimal placement of its stores, which is a standard practice in the business realm.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, Starbucks does use GIS software as part of its site selection process. GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, is a critical tool in the field of location intelligence for businesses and geographers alike. Its application in selecting optimal site locations rests on its capacity to analyze multiple layers of spatial data which might include traffic patterns, real estate costs, zoning laws, economic competition, and demographic profiles. The Huff Model is particularly noteworthy as it predicts customer behavior based on distance from a store among other factors and is a common measure utilized by retail site location analysts. Companies such as McDonald's, Kohl's, and Walgreens also employ GIS for similar purposes. Therefore, it is evident that Starbucks' utilization of GIS for selecting new store locations falls in line with common business practices for maximizing potential success.