A Month in the Life

So, the other day, Starbucks announced that they would be closing 600 locations across the nation due to the lack of revenue and forecasted growth for the first time since the inception of the company. As such, it’s interesting to note the article I read shared that they would also introduce loyalty programs for existing customers (I have to assume a “buy 9 lattes and get the 10th free”), as well as are considering adding a “value menu” to the existing product mix sold – kinda like the dollar menu at MickeyDees or something, I suppose. Could this be the end of the over-priced, double shot, venti, white-chocolate mocha that I have grown to love? (It is a purchase that I make on rare occasion anyhow-only when someone has been nice enough to give me a gift card.)

With the high price of gas, the cost to of simple goods like popcorn and pretzels going up, and the lack of an increase in our paychecks – are we living in a post-Starbucks time? Will we see the end of over priced espressos, replaced by driving to our local gas station to buy a “simple” cup of joe? If so, that will be a sad day for the whimsical side of me – an avid connoisseur of the coffee bean. The practical me will be shouting, “Finally, people are getting some common sense! No more $4 coffee!” At any rate, both sides of me are pretty shocked to see that even the mighty Starbucks has chinks in its armor during an economic down-turn.

mr