My nephew works at Starbucks. He tells me that Starbucks gossip got it right:
Talk about a company that’s jerking around customers and employees! It makes the big store closings announcement, then leaves employees in the dark about whether they have jobs or not. On top of that, customers are wondering if their favorite Starbucks will remain open. (And all day, employees have to listen to: Is this store closing? Are you staying open?) WHAT STARBUCKS SHOULD HAVE DONE: Immediately release a list of stores that are going to be closed, and let employees know if they’ll be laid off or possibly transferred.
They called Starbucks PR for more info. No word yet. Here’s a STARBUCKS GOSSIP message board post from SEADAVE:
A few months ago Home Depot announced it was closing a number of underperforming stores. That very same day they released the list of stores. No rumors and speculation, just a clear message from the execs that these are the stores we are closing. Period. Once again the message from Starbucks’ executive management is unclear and in my opinion the ensuing rumors, worries, and wild speculation is doing more harm to the company than good.
And here’s the “angst-ridden decision” message from Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz to employees.