February 27, 2008
Starbucks Closes, Dunkin' Donuts Profits
Whether it was a PR stunt or a legit "teach-in" on espresso, Starbucks shut down for three full hours last night to train baristas --leaving the 5:30 to 8:30pm coffee crowd out in the cold. Today they are back, with a new take on "the customer is always right" policy posted about their stores; it reads: "Your drink should be perfect, every time. If not, let us know and we'll make it right." Reportedly they'll also be introducing a honey latte soon; no word on whether the three hour espresso pouring course allowed time for the new beverage.
Photo by Bob Kreizel.
The AP tries to crunch the numbers, reporting "Starbucks wouldn't disclose how much revenue it stands to lose during the shutdown, but analysts say the financial impact will be negligible compared to charges the company will take as it closes about 100 poorly performing U.S. stores this year and pays severance to more than 200 corporate support staff it laid off last week." (R.I.P. 8th Street Starbucks.)
Photo by Bob Kreizel.
While the "story" drew attention to Starbucks, it brought big bucks to Dunkin' Donuts, who cashed in on their temporary closure. One UES store The Post talked to said they had a 10% spike in sales, though the paper notes they did cut the price of lattes and cappuccinos to a mere 99 cents during their competitor's closure.
What Dunkin' Donuts doesn't have is the Oscar winning indie film Juno for sale before any other outlet. Yes, come this April Starbucks will be selling the DVD, because nothing says caffeine like teen pregnancy?
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I got excited until I realized the closing was temporary.
Perhaps their coffee will improve because of this...
jk. wishful thinking on my part.
Corner Guy > Dunkin' Donuts > Starbucks
I saw honey lattes on the menu yesterday morning, at the 'bucks on Spring and Crosby.
It's so depressing that this is actually a news story.
"'bucks"
Get the fuck out of my city.
I saw honey lattes on the menu yesterday morning, at the 'bucks on Spring and Crosby.
49/Lex had them yesterday, too.
The only coffee I ever deem good enough to purchase anymore is coffee @ Ferrara's. Mmmmm. =D
oh yeah. I'm totally gonna abuse this. I'll drink half a vanilla latte then tell them to redo it cause it tastes like ass.
If it was a PR stunt, it's glad to see Gothamist rising above all the other bullshit media and not reporting on it twice in 24 hours.
it was a brilliant pr move, how much free advertising did they get with this "news story"?
Major publicity stunt. Dont fall for it. Why does anyone want to wait in line for a 4.00 flavored drink in a rather snobby atmosphere?