A Chicken In Every Pot And A Starbucks On Every Corner

Who knew that oversaturation with non-free trade, subpar, overpriced coffee in the marketplace wouldn't work out in the long run:

Starbucks Corp.'s plan to close several hundred stores is a step in the right direction but analysts say it may not be enough to solve the problems facing the company.

Starbucks did not give details about which locations will be closed, but Stephen Kron of Goldman Sachs said he thinks the closings will be weighted to areas that have been hit the hardest by slumps in the housing industry and the broader economy.

Baird analyst David Tarantino said the move "suggests the brand may be approaching saturation in some markets," and the company's efforts to stabilize sales at its older locations could take time to work.
...
The company said late Tuesday that it will close 600 company-run U.S. stores over the next year. The stores were not profitable, and most were located near another Starbucks. Most were opened in fiscal 2006 later. Starbucks also plans to open fewer stores in fiscal 2009.

E and I were just talking about how Starbucks is a little different than Walmart in that their stores don't seem to suck the life out of local establishments, at least not in all cases.  For example, Coffeetime, privately owned by a San Diego escapee, is a couple blocks away from her soon-to-be-vacated apartment. 

Neptune and I hang out there quite a bit when E's at work because it's got free wifi and allows dogs inside.  It's a great atmosphere, with people playing chess and other board games, has good free trade coffee and actually provides a better value with the stuff they serve.  It's always fairly busy and really hopping at night.

The Starbucks a couple blocks away?  Shorter hours, charges for wifi, no dogs allowed...no crowds.  Oh, and there's another Starbucks in the other direction as well.  Hmm...

Anywayz, this just reminded me of The Simpsons, as many stories do:

Guy: Can I help you?
Bart: I'd like to get my ears pierced!
Guy: Better make it quick, kiddo, in five minutes this place is becoming a Starbucks!

As Bart walks out with a shiny earring, sipping a Starbucks coffee, you see the entire mall has been converted into nothing but Starbucks shops.  It's funny because it's true.

ntodd