How Alcohol Sales Will Hurt Starbucks' Business

Since it opened its doors back in 1971 Starbucks has become famous for its variety of delicious flavored coffees. The Seattle, Washington based company is dazzling its customers with amenities such as wifi, music, and a friendly environment. Now I do realize that in order for businesses to effectively compete in corporate America they must be willing to take risks. It is ludicrous to take risks that could be costly just for the sake of thinking it will increase profits. The risk that Starbucks is about to take just may jeopardize its reputation. It is going to start serving along with coffee in its locations. This is a bad decision because I believe that this will neither help business nor maintain its integrity of being an outstanding coffee retail pioneer. Unfortunately, Starbucks will end up attracting members of a psychographic and demographic sector that it never intended on targeting.

Selling alcohol will slightly damage Starbucks image. As a result of the bad economy, Starbucks too has experienced harsh economic times. It has not only closed some of its locations but it has also reduced some of its workforce to cut down operational costs. It will become vulnerable to many new liabilities. Many professional people patronize the Starbucks chains. For some people drinking coffee is almost as routine as drinking water. I really hope that Starbucks is not depending on its addition of alcohol to the menu for revitalizing its business operations. This latest decision will do more harm than good. Its business will never be the same. The once pleasant environment could now be one that almost resembles an obnoxious club style atmosphere. It will be as controversial as an establishment known for selling hamburgers attempting to add chicken to its menu.

If Starbucks decides to serve alcohol in its locations, it could jeopardize its reputation and possibly lose some of its loyal customers. This could also create new opportunities from some of its smaller competitors. It is not a good idea for alcohol and coffee to be sold in the same place. Starbucks overall integrity will be compromised if it comes through on its plans to serve alcohol along with coffee at its locations.