Any good marketing executive knows that out-of stocks cause lost sales and lost customers. Starbuck should understand this. Not having freshly brewed decaf coffee is the same as an out-of-stock-situation. So I wonder why this once great place for coffee enjoyment neglects the decaf drinking portion of their customer base. It’s definitely counter-intuitive. Let’s look at the ramifications of this particular out-of-stock at the micro level.
In the past week, when the local Starbucks locations (three of them) failed to have freshly brewed deaf available, I walked out. Of course, they offered me the so-called quick-brew. That’s not the product I want. This represents a pathetic substitute for the real “thing.” It tastes terrible and leaves a yucky aftertaste. So what you say.
Often, one or two others join me for a coffee and a chat. They leave with me. Three sales are lost that day. This doesn’t include the sandwiches and pastries we might have purchased.
I no longer buy pounds of coffee at Starbucks for consumption at home. I’ve found a coffee I like better, more lost sales
Sometimes, I don’t even bother going to Starbucks first because I suspect the foul tasting quick-brew will be the sole alternative.
My monthly expenditures at Starbucks are down 64%.
I can’t be the only person in Starbuck’s marketplace to experience the same dilemma because I’ve had this happen in more than a dozen Starbucks stores in four states. This is just too much cost cutting, an overly aggressive reaction to economic conditions.
Starbucks isn’t the only corporate entity alienating their customers. Restaurants and several global retailers also estrange their client base with excessive measure to maximize profits. As far as Starbucks is concerned, all we can do as consumers is wait for the next entrepreneur who still cares about the customers starts the nest global chain of coffee houses.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Charlie Chaplin
Modern Times
Charlie Chaplin, in the method of his successor Michael Moore, exploits the plight of the poor to line his own pockets. He took what was a global disaster, and like the evil Capitalists that he claimed to disdain, profited from a psychedelic portrayal (Modern Times) of how Capitalists work. Chaplain wrote, produced, and directed most of his own movies, often forcing his staff to work late into the night, so he could capitalize on his wealth producing skills, and feed his Capitalistic cravings. He was a millionaire in an era when that really meant something.
He and his brother founded United Artists. Although Chaplin lived and earned all his money in America, he declined to become a citizen and was considered a coward, by his British countrymen. However, his films were quite hilarious, and he undeniably possessed tremendous talented.
Chaplin’s creativity and physical skills were manifest in scenes he performed, such as the roller-skating in the department store and the dive into the shallow stream (Modern Times). The most riveting imagery of the film involved the tragic aftermath of the Great Depression—a deflation of our economy—the sorrowful faces of mankind “wanting,” the soup kitchen lines, joblessness, and the inability of labor to effective bargain with employers.
In another film, “The Tramp,” he effectively portrayed an unemployable character who inadvertently errs is his every attempt to fit into industrialized society. His character unwittingly lands in front of a union organizing march, landing him in jail where he shows his high ethical and moral character, and reaps his reward, employment. He proceeds downhill from there.
Charlie Chaplin: an amazing individual.
Charlie Chaplin, in the method of his successor Michael Moore, exploits the plight of the poor to line his own pockets. He took what was a global disaster, and like the evil Capitalists that he claimed to disdain, profited from a psychedelic portrayal (Modern Times) of how Capitalists work. Chaplain wrote, produced, and directed most of his own movies, often forcing his staff to work late into the night, so he could capitalize on his wealth producing skills, and feed his Capitalistic cravings. He was a millionaire in an era when that really meant something.
He and his brother founded United Artists. Although Chaplin lived and earned all his money in America, he declined to become a citizen and was considered a coward, by his British countrymen. However, his films were quite hilarious, and he undeniably possessed tremendous talented.
Chaplin’s creativity and physical skills were manifest in scenes he performed, such as the roller-skating in the department store and the dive into the shallow stream (Modern Times). The most riveting imagery of the film involved the tragic aftermath of the Great Depression—a deflation of our economy—the sorrowful faces of mankind “wanting,” the soup kitchen lines, joblessness, and the inability of labor to effective bargain with employers.
In another film, “The Tramp,” he effectively portrayed an unemployable character who inadvertently errs is his every attempt to fit into industrialized society. His character unwittingly lands in front of a union organizing march, landing him in jail where he shows his high ethical and moral character, and reaps his reward, employment. He proceeds downhill from there.
Charlie Chaplin: an amazing individual.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Return
It's been some time since I last made an entry, and that needs a remedy. So I will get back to my old ways and produce new and interesting items.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Honoring Veterans
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Beautiful Cover
Here’s a wonderful performance by the Corrs of the song REM made famous. The Corrs are a Celtic folk rock group from Dundalk, Ireland.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Reflections on Terror
September 11, is an exceptionally sad day for me.
On February 26, 1996, I visited the World Trade Center for lunch on a bitter cold day. Sadly, I ate in the PATH Center, and left the coffee shop just at 12:17 PM. The bomb blast went off, and sent me, and others, into the air. The man I stood 20 feet from lay in a pool of his own blood—his ashen face indicated he was no more. It was the worst day of my life.
Seeing people die in a wanton act such as bombing a building, to kill innocent people merely going about their business, tends to linger in the recesses of one’s mind. It took several years to overcome the experience. But eventually I overcame the tragedy, and restored my life. Granted, it was never the same again.
On September 11, 2001, upon entering a 7-11 for a cup of coffee, I had no idea the unprovoked attack occurred. The first thing I noticed was the owner of the store, a Pakistani, punching his fist. His unexplained agitation stood out. He knew what happened, and it didn’t make him, happy. Since I had no knowledge of the tragic event, I couldn’t appreciate the tension of the moment.
While pouring my coffee, I glanced at the television mounted on the wall. Stunned and shaken, I placed the lid on top to stare at the events. One plane, then another crashed into the towers. Mind-boggling.
I left the store and walked to my car, and called someone I knew in Florida to advise them of the incident. I began shaking and crying. I conducted business with some of the innocent people in that building—I hoped they were okay.
Soon the noxious odors I smelled during my terror encounter returned. I relived the 1993 event in my memory. The state of shock and existing in another unfeeling dimension overcame me.
The situation became progressively worse as the day progressed. My depression increased with each additional piece of news.
The aftermath left many a family devastated. My heart aches for them on this anniversary.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Crime of the Century
It’s difficult to admit: I was happy to see Bernard Madoff get the full 150 year sentence for the massive fraud he committed. It’s not easy to be happy due to another’s bad fortune.
His attorney appealed to the court to sentence Madoff to 12 years, hardly a fitting punishment for what might be “the crime of the century.”
The list of victims encompassed thousands, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, Footloose star Kevin Bacon and his wife, Kyra Sedgwick. The broad based fraud also involved anonymous investors, whose life savings vanished into thin air.
Two burning questions remain. Where did the money go? Who helped Mr. Madoff swindle so many out of so much?
What would make me truly happy is the return of the funds to the investors who lost their life savings and their retirement hopes. This is a modern day tragedy.
His attorney appealed to the court to sentence Madoff to 12 years, hardly a fitting punishment for what might be “the crime of the century.”
The list of victims encompassed thousands, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, Footloose star Kevin Bacon and his wife, Kyra Sedgwick. The broad based fraud also involved anonymous investors, whose life savings vanished into thin air.
Two burning questions remain. Where did the money go? Who helped Mr. Madoff swindle so many out of so much?
What would make me truly happy is the return of the funds to the investors who lost their life savings and their retirement hopes. This is a modern day tragedy.
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