They seem to be in trouble, and I’m not sure what to do. Poor Starbuck!
On one hand, they are closing stores left and right – and even though MA was to be spared, they later announced we are not, losing 7 or more stores locally. On the other hand, I see even more “Help Wanted” signs in their front doors that ever before. Plus they’re pushing more and more benefits to cardholders: free refills, free shots, other giveaways that you never would have seen before.
They come up with a huge marketing thing for their new drink, hoping it can revivify their business. What is this vivivying magic they’ve come up with? A banana smoothie. Not what I expect from such an experienced vendor. You think a smoothie’s going to turn your business around? Think again.
Their desperation is showing in many other ways: when using my card to get my free in-store drip coffee refills, I got not one but three receipts, even though I never normally take them. One for the first cuppa, of course; then two for the refill. Not only did the staff patiently explain about their $2 for any cold grande after 2pm offer, but they also eagerly pressed their customer survey – CustomerVoice! – into my hand. This is about the third time I’ve gotten a survey in the past month, and it’s not like I’m in there daily to account for their sudden interest in my opinion.
Plus, they’re canceling their muffin contract, and ditching their breakfast sandwiches. I know there are a lot of mixed opinions about them – myself included: have you ever gotten a breakfast sandwich at the old ‘Buck that was actually assembled straight? I haven’t. But I still like them, and they’re actually reasonably priced for the ingredients, considering their corporate price levels. That’ll be a sad goodbye to the toasties in the morning some days.
What can we do to help them out? Poor little Starbuck, she’s tough but vulnerable these days.
Hmmm.
Oh, wait.
They are an evil corporate giant. Never mind. Let loose the dogs of capitalism, and if you enjoy it, update your schedule to use your card to take your break there: free wifi, free syrup, and the free refills mean it’s a great way to spend an hour in the morning, for those of you who like the coffee there. I mean, it’s good, although Starbucks is not as good as Peet’s.
Well, for an evil corporate giant, they pay their staff better and give them more benefits than your average “Mom and Pop” coffee shop. So there are benefits to working for the darkside.
I think it’s just an economic adjustment. I mean, unless we’re in a bubble, who should really be paying $7 for a cup of coffee?
Well, this is a dilemma … they are definitely an evil corporate giant based on what I know your definition to be. And originally, I was not a coffee drinker, and even now they are not my favorite coffee choice.
That said, I would miss my iced caramel macchiatos when the weather is actually warm enough to enjoy them. And they have been asking for my opinion a lot lately too … still waiting to see if they are *listening* to it, or just asking for it. I have not yet taken advantage of the second drink of the day for $2 (after 2 PM) … mostly because I get busy and forget. But I like knowing I have the option …
Anyway, I liked the blog … I will have to visit again now that I found it.