Midpack
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This is probably out of place on this forum, but on the off chance there are others here who are generally frugal but still enjoy some frivolous treats like Starbucks, here it is. I have been going to Starbucks several times a week for years and watched them change. There was novelty, high quality (for the mainstream at least), a nice atmosphere and excellent, welcoming service and it became fashionable/hip - and people were willing to pay a premium for that package. But they've lost sales rapidly to DD and McD and last night they shut down all their stores for 3 hours to rededicate themselves to quality. Anyone think their quality has changed significantly if at all?
I go to Starbucks locally a lot and in many cities and airports as I travel, and what they've lost in droves IMHO is the service aspect. The baristas used to seem to take pride in their product and they were extremely attentive to each customer - always. Most Starbucks employees today are simply fast food workers. Now they take an order, push a button and 'have a nice day' customer 42,566 today! They push products you don't want (and then ask you again after you've said no once) and ignore waiting customers now like any fast food place, I could go on and on with examples. It wasn't like that at the beginning and people aren't going to pay Starbucks a premium to be treated just like they would be at DD, McD or any other fast food place. I know I've had enough and now go there on an exception basis. If something doesn't change I'll probably stop altogether. It was great while it lasted, but I think they've lost their way...
I go to Starbucks locally a lot and in many cities and airports as I travel, and what they've lost in droves IMHO is the service aspect. The baristas used to seem to take pride in their product and they were extremely attentive to each customer - always. Most Starbucks employees today are simply fast food workers. Now they take an order, push a button and 'have a nice day' customer 42,566 today! They push products you don't want (and then ask you again after you've said no once) and ignore waiting customers now like any fast food place, I could go on and on with examples. It wasn't like that at the beginning and people aren't going to pay Starbucks a premium to be treated just like they would be at DD, McD or any other fast food place. I know I've had enough and now go there on an exception basis. If something doesn't change I'll probably stop altogether. It was great while it lasted, but I think they've lost their way...
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