Essay Ally

You’ve probably heard on the news or read somewhere by now that Starbucks plans on closing 600 “underperforming” locations and will only open about 400 new locations in the next year or so. The news is stating this like it is some sort of tragedy. But let’s examine this for a moment.

How many stores does Starbucks actually have? Over 15,000 as of November of last year including their joint ventures with places like Barnes and Noble. That’s a lot of coffee houses. And Starbucks portrays themselves as earth-friendly, consumer-friendly, and an allaround warm and fuzzy experience. But it’s just another corporate beast.

People might like the slightly over roasted and highly addictive extra-caffeinated coffee’s bitter aftertaste, but it’s average coffee at an above average price. The fad is starting to pass. Mom and pop coffee shops are so much better. And I personally prefer Caribou Coffee when it comes to coffee chains. I’m not going to lose a wink of sleep over them closing a few stores (less than 1.5% after they open the other new stores). The economy is in the crapper and I’m happy to see some corporations struggle as much as the common man is.

Will you miss Starbucks?