Fear among coffee stores owners permeates whenever the news of a Starbucks move into the neighborhood arise. But for years, many independent coffee owners have flourished with the addition of the green neighbor. Customers will in fact visit each location a few times a week. If your product is superior, expect to see those customers more often.
But what of the McCafe? This burger powerhouse move into the specialty coffee arena and it's price structure, well below that of most coffee houses, will it affect the cash register and a independent coffee shop's ability to stay in business? This question and answer was raised in a recent web article on QSR Magazine. Read the entire story.
One group of retailers that probably won't be hurt is higher-end independent coffee shops. Contrary to popular belief, these types of retailers often experience a boom in business-sometimes as much as 20 percent-when a Starbucks sets up shop nearby, Hetzel says. The same phenomenon could presumably result from a neighboring McDonald's selling similar beverages.
"I believe it's only helpful," Hetzel says. "It educates consumers on a better quality of coffee that exists. There's so much more that the independents can do that it expands their market. When coffee tastes better…people drink more."
Learn more about the specialty coffee business at www.cuppys.com
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