I guess I'm not the only one wondering whether Starbucks
An MSNBC poll, conducted after last week's announcement of store closures and layoffs, has brought out the worst in java junkies. As unscientific as a cyberspace pulse-check may be, the results aren't very encouraging. With nearly 27,000 respondents as of last night, here's how the poll lined up.
How often do you go to Starbucks?
|
Never, since my budget doesn't allow for $4 cups of coffee |
35% |
|
Once a week |
23% |
|
Never, since their coffee is horrible |
21% |
|
Once a day |
10% |
|
As often as possible |
10% |
|
I'm on my laptop there now |
1% |
Source: MSNBC poll.
The poll could have been structured better. 56% of the voters combine to say that they never go into Starbucks, but it doesn't indicate whether they used to live la vida Starbucks. That would have been an important distinction in gauging the concept's popularity beyond its recent drop in sales at the unit level. All we can truly draw from this poll is that there are plenty of people out to kick Starbucks when it's down.
I felt I was in a thinner herd when I wondered why my fellow Fools were cool with the premium bean brewer closing 600 stores and eliminating roughly 12,000 jobs. I guess I'm not the only one feeling the barista blues.
It happens. Cool brands fade, especially when it comes to filling the bellies of consumers. Panera
As someone who recommended Chipotle to Rule Breakers subscribers early in its growth cycle, I hope I'm humble enough to accept gravity when it comes a-knocking. Right now, Starbucks investors may want to start doing the same.
How do you feel about Starbucks as a long-term investment?
