Starbucks CEO criticized for "bizarre" T-shirt promotion

Todd Sullivan goes after CEO Jim Donald, saying "his flaccid idea of giving away 10,000 t-shirts needs to be critically looked at." It's a "bizarre promotion with somebody most people have never heard of -- designer Mychael Knight, a finalist from the Bravo TV show Project Runway." Sullivan writes: "I am going to go out on a limb here and say that the type of person who would wear their favorite drink on a t-shirt is the same person who if Mr. Donald stood in the entrance of a Starbucks and slapped them in the face as they walked in, would say 'thank you sir, may I have another!', wait to be flogged again and then continue in to order their drink. I, on the other hand, after witnessing this event would turn to my kids and say 'who wants a happy meal?'" (Yahoo Finance SeekingAlpha)

Comments

[Sean]

I can not find one peroson who have been able to get one. It is alwas out.

[James The Barista]

Poor Brother Jim, Then again have you noticed how everyone LOVES to beat down Starbucks? Jealous anyone?

[STARBUCKSGOSSIP webmaster]

Some Starbucks Gossip readers have had luck getting the T-shirts, as you'll discover by reading these posts.

[STARBUCKS GEISHA BOI]

*FLASH MESSAGE*

Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) fell nearly by $-1.26 to 3.94% to close at $30.75 under 19 million shares traded. So far, it appears that failsafes in US markets were unable to prevent a decline in all US markets.

*FLASH MESSAGE*

[starbucks addict]

A couple friends and I all were able to get one. It took a few tries but it was possible. I just received my email yesterday saying it had been shipped.
I think Mr. Sullivan needs to get out more and see what else is going on in the world. Many people know who Mycheal Knight is. And Starbucks is a collectable. I think it's brilliant.

[James The Barista]

STARBUCKS GEISHA BOI, um...flash message the entire market fell with DOW down 419 and NASDAQ down around 90. A little insight, Starbucks is a LONG-TERM stock...not for day trading. You're welcome.

I think, though, that what's critical here is not the t-shirts, but that it's the first analyst calling for Jim Donald's resignation. I think Howard's trying a power grab, which isn't a bad thing at all. We we're set up for it with the "feel good" email a few weeks ago, perhaps Howard intentionally let a few extra keystrokes slip and the memo made its way to a reporter, now the stock seems to be having a bit of a tank (albeit a bit of a deflated one, now that the entire market seems to be taking a dive) and analysts are starting to see that after two years on the job, Jim Donald has left us no better than the day he started.

His job is to create shareholder value, and he hasn't done that. I smell a carly fiorina.

[anss]

Anon. Feb 27, 2007,

I had the feeling that the e-mail leak was a little "Rumsfeldesque" when I first read it. Definately one of those "things aren't great now, but we can do better type of messages. Of course, I'd love more labor. I'm drunk off my ass after the understaffed opening from hell. Strange thing is, that ALS said we were over on labor when I left at 2:30

anyone remember orin?

[Bariesta]

I don't know who you are Tom Sullivan but i must say, you are awesome.

[J]

...and the shirts are ugly.

The shirt idea is great, most people probably wouldn't wear it but it will most likely be a collectable one day. If i was able to get one i know it would be a fun pajama shirt, or i could put it on my dog or something like that. Its more of a girly thing than a guyish thing(no harm meant to guys who got one) but overall the idea is great, it gives someone (Knight) the chance to do something with what he is, which is what we need more of in the world

[11864BaristaSS]

I think that the t-shirts were a good idea. However, I think that it should have been more of an in-store concept. All I can say about the idea that Jim is not doing his job is this : The partners are happier now then they have been in a long time, why? We know we are thought about when most major decisions are made. We all got pay increases. We love what we do (well most of us).

[LG]

Most partners are NOT happier now. We're considered far less now that Howard isn't involved in day-to-day operations. Do you want to serve hot breakfast sandwiches? I don't. Do you want to work at a drive-thru? I don't. Do you want to deal with the constantly changing retail and beverage and food lineups? I don't. I remember when we had solid core products for sale in the cafe. In fact, I specifically got a job at Starbucks because it wasn't like a fast food restaurant. At least, at the time I got hired it wasn't.

I'm glad we got raises, but I'd rather be happy with my job than make another ten cents an hour. Besides, with your numbers, I doubt you got much of a raise.

Most partners are not happier now than before. Have you not heard the labor woes inflicted on people? How they have to fight to keep their benefits because managers are under all sorts of undue pressure to cut cost? This is no way to run Starbucks if you want it to be Starbucks and not a McDonalds.

[Sephie's Barista]

11864Baristass,

Sorry, but the partners I work with and know in my district are miserable. Everyone is begging (LITERALLY, In our office alone we have 4 "Partner looking for hours. Call..." notes tacked on the board.) And if the partners are SO happy, why is it in the past year and 1/2 alone my Store has suffered a COMPLETE 100% turnover? And this is apperiently "typical for this district"? Happy employees don't leave en-masse. Happy employees don't need to beg for 2 more hours. Happy employees don't break down in tears because of the stress at their store.

I hope beyond hope you're wrong... because if you aren't and these are "happy partners" then the "Starbucks Experience" is nothing more than a myth.

Sorry. Done with my rant now.

[pepperminthotchocolategirl]

I think the shirts were a good idea. I got one, should be arriving soon too. And apparently you get a free drink if you wear it to the store (I'm just gonna be like here's my shirt please don't make me wear it) I mean would I wear it out in public..no. I plan on either selling it on Ebay or keeping it and getting it autographed by my fav band to go with their autographed starbucks apron that I got off of Ebay.

But I thought it was kinda fun to try and get the shirt and design it. I didn't care who the designer was.

Now would I let the guy slap me as I walked into Starbucks..nope. So therefore I'm not like that person is saying. I just wanted to get a shirt, see how cool it really was, and either add it to my odd ball collection or sell it on ebay and grab a few bucks from it.

[42peratioshift]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....

Thank you sir may i have another? OMG that's funny.

BTW... the stock fell (like 95% of all stocks) yesterday because of the problem the Shanghai market had with the Chinese Govt. saying they want to curb speculation and the Jan. orders for Durable goods in the US dropping allot more than anyone was expecting.

42PEratioshift

[Puyro]

i'm trying to get a shirt =[ i would totally wear it because i like wearing stuff barely anyone else has

i have class though at the time they are releasing them so i enlisted the help of a friend to try and get one... and i'm going to see if i can sneakily try before class starts (teacher is usually a few minutes late) *crosses fingers*

[CFLsbuxfan]

Not a sucessful promotion? The fact that "nobody" can get one (I did) and that we are all sitting here talking about it pretty much makes it seem like a success to me. I love MK. I love Project Runway. Every girl in my office has made it a personal competition to get one of these things.

Lighten up. It's fun...it's free.

[Jenn]

I Love Starbucks, I Love Project Runway, I Love Mychael Knight's style design style, I Love the idea of a Starbucks collectible promotion BUT those shirts were ugly! It looked like he was give a fresh box of markers and given 30 minutes. And yet, I still sorta wanted one. And btw I love this site.

[pepperminthotchocolategirl]

I got my shirt today. They're ok. Something I would wear with one of my zip up hoodies. I'm going to put mine on ebay though. So if you want it let me know, it'll be up there. And if you do happen to get one off the website, yes you do get a free drink, but you don't have to wear the shirt in.

[pepperminthotchocolategirl]

Here we go, I put it on ebay. Here is the item number and I even mention this board!

Ebay Item Number 270094759354

[wheresthecoffee]

I gave up trying to get one through Starbucks. Instead, I created the drink graphic on the website, downloaded it to my pc and printed it on t-shirt transfer paper. All that's left is to iron it on. Easy peasy!

[Nancy]

I have an idea - since there's so many smart people here who have the answers to what Starbucks is doing wrong - and what they need to do to turn it around, why not just pool your money together and open your own coffee chain. How could it fail?

[texas 1]

sephie....it's exactly that way here in texas...

we are being told to look at other stores in our district for more hours...or are told to 'sell more sandwiches to earn more labor for you and your store?" as qouted on the daily coverage sheets?? we are a coffee shop..and obviuosly we are being forced to sell more non related coffee products to customers who don't want them...what is your sandwich markout like at closing?? alot.
so this way...all of the burden of being gainfully employed some how falls on OUR shoulders...oh well sorry you have open avaibility and you are only getting 15 hours....YOU failed to upsell cupcakes and turkey pesto sandwiches...sorry you didnt make your insurance hours...YOU should have driven 40 miles round trip to all the stores in your district....we tried to help you though...???it is not up to employee to run through a maze of arbitary 'rules' to maintain employment and consistent hours....we can no longer work with a 3 man floor we can use the 5 man...we have a dirty store we failed eco sure twice in a row..please help us mr schultz

[michigan]

Texas,

Surprisingly, Michigan has the same problems.

My DM has been pressuring all the SMs to cut labor at almost any cost. I cannot find enough hours, even between two stores! A few partners will lose their health benefits soon due to lack of hours.

After reading these posts, and seeing that this labor problem is not isolated to my district, I don't know how to feel. Should I be comforted that others are in my situation, or does this reveal a systemic issue?

[the_dmr]

Central Texas, also being affected by the lack of labor variance. The only reason I keep my benefits is open availiabily and a 24hr store (I still work 35hrs as a shift, some baristas can only get 12-15).

I can run a shift two-three people understaffed by ALS in Jan/Feb, but not when "Frappuccion Season" begins.

Has anyone's store actually had increase in sales since we started the sandwichs? More products, but still not more sales?

~~the dmr~~

[Texas 1]

I do not think we have had an increase in sales...if we have then why do they say we need to sell more to get more labor? It is a free market society and if consumers do not want a cappacino brownie or a turkey sandwich so be it...in our Mission Statement...it cleary says that we are yo be the finest COFFEE purveyors.
...not a deli ...not a cutesy cupcake boutique on 5th ave..not a Grab n' Go Subway shop..not a Hastings music bookstore.......not a movie(Akeeyah)disturbution experiment with Lions Gate..
.remember having to actually wear Akeelah bagdes on our unifourm? I did not, and was waiting for the big ol write up... For never before have I had to ...on my person, body, wear something that had nothing to do with the coffee beverages I was hired to make as a bariata...I am not and never will be a walking billboard for a experimental movie advertising agenda..they crossed the lines on that one..and still do...we were hired as baristas!!!!!
I wish they could get a clue...now adasys it's like walkin into a 7/11 or a gas staion with all this other weird random junk that is for sale.
..sell coffee...I was hired as a barista...help me to uphold the Starbucks Mission Statement...."coffee purveyor"....and not to comprmise MY principles...please?

[margie]

Texas 1, I agree totally. Now, I have been to bookshop cafes, and music store cafes, but we are not these things. We are cafes, we are about coffee. I can see having somne brewing equipment (not $2000 brewing equiment, though!), and cups, etc, but **not** having crap not directly related to coffee or tea. Also- all the mugs the last few seasons have been **sooo** holiday specific and of questionable quality- to say noting of everything being marked down so quickly that all the customers know to wait a week or so before buying...

REFOCUS ON COFFEE, COFFE GROWERS, AND BARISTAS!!!

[Sephie's Barista]

Wow. So, we have Florida (me), Texas, and Michigan... all with the same problem? Ummmm.... Anyone else? Just how far does this spread.

And as far as markouts... It's easier to say we sell about 5 sandwiches a day total. Everything else gets chucked. (ruffly 10-15)

In my store we are seeing a prelude to Frappaccino season due to the bursts of heat after the cold fronts. And I'm seeing one good thing about 0% varience. If I had to work 25-30 hours of this during the full blown season, I'd probably drop dead. With just 15 hours I might loose my benes but at least I'll be alive.

[Texas 1]

Keep up your spirits Sephie's Barista!!! I'll be rootin' for ya'., I know ...frappacino season....is rough!!!

[chi-town's best/angriest barista]

i hate frapp season. i hate it even more now that our dm is an idiot and decided not to replace the broken sticker printing machine (second busiest midwest store here) so we get to do an inconsistant combination of yelling across the store and cup marking -which apparently no two partners can do the same way so it's always a crapshoot as to whether or not you get it right. i do believe this is when i quit.

[Sephie's Barista]

Thankyou Texas1. I appreciate it. We're training people for a new store opening up, and I'm hopeing that's where a lot of the stress is comeing from. On a happy note (and I know some people laugh at these but I love them) I got 2 Mug awards, one from each of 2 Trainies, for helping in their training, keeping thier spirits up, ect, ect. Is good to feel loved. :) (They're doing GREAT too.)

[NewShift]

Hang in there everyone! I know this (and the last several) post is off topic, but oh well.

I'm *trying* to be proactive about the crappiness into which our company is slowly but surely falling. I made it clear to my new manager that I want to be the head learning coach for every new partner. I know this seems a bit dictatorial, but I'm hoping that if I can be LC for these new hires that they'll learn what Starbucks should be about, not get blahblahblah training from another partner who doesn't give a rat's behind.

Oh, and the t-shirts were freaking ugly, but probably would have been more successful if any customers actually had heard about it. I've heard exactly one customer mention it in the last week. Oy.

And is anyone at your stores actively promoting the customization stuff with the current promo? In my district it's being actively ignored...

[pepperminthotchocolategirl]

My shirt that I got is selling on ebay for 15.00 at the moment and it has like 13 watchers. So hey if you've got a shirt SELL IT! I'm getting 15.00 for something that I paid zip for, and I get a free drink out of the deal. Hehehehehe.

[katherine]

Whoa Whoa Whoa...

Not EVERYONE got raises. Let's be fair. Those partners who have worked 4+ years did not. "thank you for your service, partner. but no raise for you." I've worked my butt off for years just to have a fresh barista make almost as much as I do. Where's the equality in that? or the integrity?

[katherine]

oh, and the post itself...

my customers are very excited about the tshirts. I would never want to wear one, but then again our tastes are different. we have some odd customers in our store, i guess.

[meg]

These are jobs intended for college kids, high school grads who aren't going to college, and new college grads looking for their first office job, I don't know anyone who works at starbucks for a career, it is food service, upscale, but food service all the same.

The breakfast sandwiches are great! And always seem to sell well at my local starbucks in DC.

I've never been to a starbucks with plastic chairs (do some really use plastic chairs??) Yuck, real furniture was always one of the nice things about starbucks.

[Eddie Gavor]

Hi,

I am writing to know if it will be possible to buy your Hand Pick T-Shirt or shirts ranging from $18 to $30. Sizes ranging from, small 75 pieces, medium 75 pieces to be shipped to Africa Ghana to an orphanage home with address Number 21 makathi hill Road Accra Ghana West Africa or I have a shipping company to come over for pick up. I am in New jersey and would like to send it over to the Orphanage home in Africa Ghana. Please get back to me if it will be possible for you to ship to Ghana or I have a shipper to come over for pick up. I will prefer to buy 150 pieces of any once you will hand pick for me, Please let me have the total cost and the shipping cost including days shipping company can deliver. I will be pleased to have your early reply, so that an arrangement for payment can be made through my credit card. Note that because of my past experience, i would not want to place my order on line, rather i will send you my credit card through email to run it for all charges.

My regards,

Eddie George Gavor
20 Nassau St Ste 223
Princeton, NJ 08542