According to an article in today's Wall Street Journal - "Starbucks Plays Common Joe" - Starbucks is set to announce that it will soon be selling discounted pairings of coffee and breakfast food for $3.95; "a type of promotion long used at fast-food chains." 'Bucks customers will be able to order a 12-ounce latte with oatmeal or coffee cake (I assume they actually mean a slice of cake) or a 12-ounce brewed coffee with either a breakfast sandwich or a breakfast roll.
As the Journal stated, "Starbucks's sales have been in steep decline" recently. The CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, said in an interview, "I strongly believe we are going to be in this environment for years."
The WSJ asked Michelle Gass, the "executive vice president of marketing and category" for the Seattle-based company whether Starbucks would consider simply lowering its drink prices. She replied, "Today, no. But never say never."
It appears that more - or should I say even more - interesting times are ahead for Starbucks, its competitors and its customers. In the interim, could I please get a bold blend cup of coffee? A tall Sumatra would be nice.
I suggest you order a tall low-fat, no-foam cappuccino. I bet Starbuck's views the after lunch crowd as espresso drinkers.
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