Postcards from the economic meltdown: Starbucks value meals?

[marmar]

Starbucks offers its own take on the value menu

By Matt Andrejczak, MarketWatch


SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Starbucks is rolling out its version of the value menu.

Beginning March 3, Starbucks will pair a tall caffe latte or brewed coffee with some of its breakfast items, including two new sandwiches, for $3.95. The company said that the pairings will be available all day in company-operated stores in the continental U.S.

The discount deal is in response to "the economic pressures facing its customer," Starbucks said Monday.

The coffee giant said the deal provides an average savings of up to $1.20.

"Our customers need to know that we are listening to them by making Starbucks an affordable everyday option," said Michelle Gass, executive vice president of marketing.

Starbucks has been facing declining store traffic for more than a year, despite attempts to lure more customers through healthier food items, new drinks and customer loyalty cards. It said Jan. 28 that it was closing 300 stores, 200 of them in the U.S. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Starbucks-offer-discount-deals/story.aspx?guid=%7B7AF0A301%2D6A6A%2D4D2D%2DAF54%2D348086D67915%7D

[jmowreader]

1. Store traffic at Starbucks should decline, economy or no economy

When their coffee stops tasting like diesel, people will buy it again.

[brooklynite]

2. 300 calories for the latte, 800 calories for the sandwich...