Ch. 15: Retailing

     As I entered a Starbucks store its like walking into a entirely different atmosphere. Im very used to it but for a new customer its an experience very different from your regular spot to get a cup of coffee. Instead of a walk in walk out place Starbucks store is more of a walk in sit down and feel the Starbucks experience. They have done a great job in creating such an atmosphere and luring in new customers while preserving loyal customers.Starbucks is the place to go when on a college break you can stay for as long as you want by just purchasing one product but mostly a beverage not to much a pastry.       

     But there has recently been a change to this. more and more often i have noticed that as soon as you finish your drink someone passes around asking if they should throw out you cup or whatever garbage you may have, in a a very polite way but giving you the hint that "since your done you should go". This was never the case before. and now im noticing this more and more specially to those customers who have children or using a computer. 

     They want customers to just go into the store feel the mellow environment sort of a like a an italian caffe and try a different beverage with there imported coffees and teas but to make sure that you return into their "inviting"               

So yes they do provide free wifi, comfortable and inviting couches, plugs to charge your laptop or other devices but then again have a no loitering sign have started to pop up in many of there stores except for the stores i recently sit in there more in stores with these comfortable couches instead of just the chairs and table. So even though as a ironic as there statements may be "We aim to offer our customers a ‘third place,’ a place between work and home to relax, meet friends and just be themselves over a great cup of coffee.” but only until you finish your drink.

http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information