Dorothy Fulop’s Post

Have you ever observed a company that gerrymanders its language to justify prioritizing profits over people? In a recent article, Starbucks defends its shift to utilitarian, impersonal store environments by claiming that the old ethos of being a customer's "third space" has simply evolved. According to them, the "third space" now extends to wherever the customer engages with the brand, suggesting it's perfectly acceptable that the cozy leather armchairs, warm lighting, and eclectic, vibey music are gone. I guess drive-throughs and coffee in your car's cupholder qualify. 🧐 To quote the sage Wayne Campbell, "Shyeah, right!" Those of us who remember Starbucks in the 90s—when it was truly a place to meet friends in the morning or hold meetings throughout the day—know better. While younger generations might lack those memories (and may not know who Wayne Campbell is), there is a universal truth we all share: the innate human desire for connection. This deep-seated need resides within every person, consciously or not. Starbucks can redefine its terms all it wants, but it cannot change human nature. As a digital marketing specialist, I understand the importance of creating a sense of community that transcends physical space. However, when customers explicitly express what they miss about the brand's golden days, don’t insult their intelligence by retrofitting the narrative. Customers aren’t fooled; the joke is on the brand. Honesty, even if it reveals sterility, will go much further than flowery disingenuousness. Trust is lost in an instant and can take forever to rebuild. Starbucks, read the cold, sterile room. #starbucks #brandtrust #thirdspace #community

Is Starbucks just another fast-food stop now? Because going to Starbucks isn't what it used to be... Think about the classic Starbucks experience. At its core, it was a place beyond home and work where people could gather, relax and talk. It was a place where you could get out of your home or office and get work done in a nice environment. But, how about now? - The comfy chairs have largely disappeared - Electrical outlets are getting harder and harder to find - The handwritten notes on the coffee cups are largely gone Basically, Starbucks has lost the humanization part of the brand that was present for so many years. It's been prioritizing efficiency over experience. And, that has directly translated to their sales and stock declining. The brand is now rethinking its strategy and attempting to pivot back to its roots. But, can they reclaim the standard they once had? What do you think has caused Starbucks to fall off in recent years? I am curious to hear your opinion.

What exactly is SO interesting about Starbucks? Visiting a Starbucks for the first time in 2015, I was completely amazed—especially by their habit of misspelling customer names. At the time, I didn't understand the reason behind it, but my curios mind led me to look it up on my own. I recall reading something about Starbucks employees intentionally misspelling names, leading customers to share photos on social media. This apparently attracted more people to visit the store. What. A. Strategy. I also remember reading that the misspelling of names was unintentional (though I might be wrong). Strangely enough, it became the sole reason for me visit Starbucks. I remember ordering the cheapest cold coffee they had at the time & having my name misspelled, which was absolutely hilarious. I shared it with my school friends the next day & even posted it on Instagram. (I mean, isn’t that what they wanted? ;)) Apart from the "spelling" thing, I find the ambience at Starbucks to be quite appealing. However, the prices are shockingly high. It's definitely not an everyday indulgence, unless you happen to have a six-figure monthly income. Just the other day, I bought two coffees for ₹750, which may not seem a lot, but if I were to make that purchase daily for a month, it would add up to ₹22,500—more than many people's salary. I mean, it’s definitely worth thinking about. Do I like Starbucks? Sure, why not? The coffee is enjoyable, the atmosphere is pleasant & what I appreciate most is its consistency. I've noticed brown furniture with green/brown cushions throughout, at least that's an observation I've made. Anyway, I realize this might sound like a bit of a ramble. Hey Starbucks, how about reaching out for a potential collaboration someday? 😉 I'd love to hear your thoughts, so let me know ⬇️ #StarbucksExperience #SocialMediaStrategy #AmbienceMatters #CoffeeCulture #BrandingTactics #CustomerEngagement #ConsistentQuality #UniqueExperience #CollaborationOpportunity #CoffeeLovers

Starbucks no longer the 'Third' place..... Starbucks in the 90s was a very different place to what it is now, with the idea that it was not home or work but a, 'third' place where people could sit and meet, chat, work etc.... The idea was cultivated from such hit shows as 'Friends' and became an event in itself to meet and greet people at the local coffee shop.... Fast forward 30 years and a pandemic later the coffee shop is no longer a place to sit and meet, its more functional with many drive-throughs and apps to pick up coffees, as well as improved machines that require less people to operate.... Starbucks noticed the trend that those working from its establishments were usually drinking less coffee than time spent on premium seats..... The key metric of revenue per customer per time spent on the premises was skewed the wrong way. Starbucks reduced seating or had more functional seats and prioritized the creating coffee fast ethos meaning they can reduce staff cost and produce more coffee and have less wait times, all equaling a more profitable business model... This idea of the, 'third' place may soon be something of the past and maybe we will need to find a new 'third' place...

Good article on where Starbucks got away from their core purpose and things they could do to get back. https://lnkd.in/gsZX3wmq ☕ "Recapturing the authenticity of the brand means doing away with the assembly-line feel of today’s Starbucks." Personal note: I felt this twice last week at the airport Starbucks waiting forever to order a plain black coffee because the barista was so busy putting together a 4 drink order each with 8 ingredients. ☕ "The company should also redesign its self-commoditizing loyalty program to stop giving away drinks and food for free that guests would buy anyway. Instead, turn the program into an experience platform that offers guests experiences that they would not otherwise have. " I work in the loyalty and engagement industry- THIS!! Later suggestions I don't agree with - Getting back to the core purpose, how Starbucks got their start isn't going happen. What do you think? Fun fact, in college, I was a barista (never called that) for a small chain in Boston called Coffee Connection. We sold roasted beans, coffee, espresso, cappuccino - maybe a latte, that's it. Starbucks bought them as an entry into the city.

Starbucks has devalued its own brand and this resulted in a 4% drop in its sales. Starbucks has veered away from its successful strategy of providing customers with exceptional experiences, and in doing so, it has unintentionally commoditized itself. Let’s delve into where Starbucks went wrong and explore ideas for a turnaround: 📌 The Experience Economy Shift: Starbucks initially thrived by creating a unique experience around coffee consumption. The cozy ambiance, personalized service, and carefully crafted beverages made it more than just a coffee shop—it was a destination. However, over time, the company shifted its focus toward efficiency and volume, compromising the very essence of what set it apart. 📌 The Pitfall of Efficiency Metrics: Efficiency metrics, such as reducing wait times and streamlining operations, became the priority. While these are essential, Starbucks lost sight of the emotional connection it once fostered with its customers. The brand became transactional, and the magic waned. However it is still not late Starbucks to make a comeback. It’s founder, Howard Schultz, recently urged the company’s leaders to reconnect with its core purpose. What is Starbucks really about? It’s not just coffee; it’s about creating moments of delight, community, and comfort. Re-embracing this purpose can reinvigorate the brand. To turn the tide, Starbucks must rekindle the art of personalized interactions. Barista should know regulars by name, and each store should exude warmth and familiarity. Innovations like Reserve Roasteries and unique seasonal offerings can reignite curiosity and excitement. Starbucks’ journey serves as a cautionary tale for companies that risk losing their soul in pursuit of efficiency. Remember, exceptional experiences are the heart of any successful brand. #Starbuckas #BrandStrategy #CustomerExperience

The Dark Story behind the Starbucks Logo Discover the controversial and dark secrets behind the iconic Starbucks logo. In this video, we dive deep into the origins and hidden meanings of the siren, exploring the mythological and mysterious inspirations that shaped this globally recognized emblem. Learn about the history, evolution, and the unsettling truths that make the Starbucks logo more than just a symbol of coffee culture. Whether you're a fan of Starbucks or just curious, this eye-opening story will challenge what you think you know. Like, comment, and subscribe for more intriguing revelations!

🦎 Starbucks' Bitter Decline: A Quick Brew of What's Gone Wrong ☕ Once hailed as the perfect "third place" for coffee lovers, Starbucks is now grappling with a bitter decline. The coffee giant is losing its appeal, reflected in declining sales, reduced customer traffic, and sluggish growth. Last year, Starbucks saw a 3% drop in same-store sales and a 4% decrease in foot traffic across North America. The pace of new store openings has also slowed, signaling broader challenges. At the heart of Starbucks' troubles is a shift from its original mission of fostering community and personal connections to prioritizing efficiency and profit. Former barista Julia, who spent six years with the company, shared how this change eroded the cozy atmosphere that once defined Starbucks. The emphasis on technology, while innovative, has further depersonalized the experience, making the brand feel more corporate and less like the welcoming "third place" it once was. Competition from local cafes and larger chains offering cheaper alternatives has intensified, adding to Starbucks' woes. Internally, employees like Julia have faced increased workloads and stress, leading to higher turnover rates and declining service quality. For Starbucks to regain its footing, it must reconnect with its roots, focusing on the customer experience that made it a beloved brand. By balancing technological advancements with a renewed commitment to community, Starbucks can hope to reclaim its status as the go-to coffeehouse for millions. In Julia's words, "Starbucks needs to remember that it's not just about the coffee; it's about the connection." #Kaymliventures #StarbucksDecline #CoffeeCulture #CustomerExperience #RetailTrends #BrandIdentity #BusinessStrategy #CommunityFocus #WorkplaceCulture #CustomerConnection #CorporateChallenges #TechVsTradition #EmployeeWellbeing #CafeCompetition

I'm sure we all have our thoughts on fixing Starbucks. The authors for this article outline their thoughts. I do think they are missing one of the major frustrations - - waiting in line – – be it in a car or in-person (especially at the airport!) How many customers walk away or drive away due to the line? It has to be big. Starbucks has expanded their product offering and allow too much customization. Streamlining and simplifying their product lineup and options would go a long way towards reducing the amount of wait time. Simplifying everything would benefit the frazzled baristas too. I know Starbucks have a mobile order option, but isn't some of the Starbucks magic the interaction with the friendly staff? I would start by streamlining the product at Starbucks. Get back to the basics. What would you do?