We all heard the recent reports of Starbucks closing nearly 600 stores in the US and Australia. Well, it seems that things are looking even a little worse for the gourmet coffee purveyor. They have reported a quarterly loss of 97%. That is a shocking and painful dip. Starbucks went to great lengths to try to curb their spending and attract new customers and keep others returning. Unfortunately, it seems like the economic slump that has consumers making drastic cuts of their own, is really damaging the gourmet coffee business.
I actually had a Starbucks coffee this morning- the first time in a very, very long time. It was a little splurge I felt like going for. In lieu of buying Starbucks for the last few years, we've been instead going to our local independent coffee shops. It has been a conscience effort on our part to support our neighborhood instead of the chains. For us that means the small businesses in Providence's East Side and Pawtucket's Oak Hill area. For coffee specifically, it's Seven Stars and Three Sister's Cafe. Don't get me wrong- Starbucks coffee is good, but overly-expensive, and there is something about its cookie cutter chain store appearance that after awhile, became boring, stuffy and even hautey. And our local guys are a little cheaper and actually even better and consistent. With Seven Stars and Three Sisters, I feel little attitude (esp when I order decaf- I'm pregnant so caffeine is on a break), and get a warm, welcoming, family-like atmosphere at both.
I don't want to see Starbucks go down, I don't want to see more people loose their jobs. But I have to say I will keep supporting our neighbors instead of big chains hoping to help ensure their lively-hoods in the near future.
I actually had a Starbucks coffee this morning- the first time in a very, very long time. It was a little splurge I felt like going for. In lieu of buying Starbucks for the last few years, we've been instead going to our local independent coffee shops. It has been a conscience effort on our part to support our neighborhood instead of the chains. For us that means the small businesses in Providence's East Side and Pawtucket's Oak Hill area. For coffee specifically, it's Seven Stars and Three Sister's Cafe. Don't get me wrong- Starbucks coffee is good, but overly-expensive, and there is something about its cookie cutter chain store appearance that after awhile, became boring, stuffy and even hautey. And our local guys are a little cheaper and actually even better and consistent. With Seven Stars and Three Sisters, I feel little attitude (esp when I order decaf- I'm pregnant so caffeine is on a break), and get a warm, welcoming, family-like atmosphere at both.
I don't want to see Starbucks go down, I don't want to see more people loose their jobs. But I have to say I will keep supporting our neighbors instead of big chains hoping to help ensure their lively-hoods in the near future.
