"At two Starbucks locations I frequent here in LA, it seems like they've removed what seemed to be the standard newspaper-sharing basket, where people would leave newspapers they'd bought to read there.
"I haven't asked anybody, but I wondered if it's some kind of strange move to drive newspaper sales or make stores seem "cleaner" or something."
I suspect that this no-more-baskets edict came from a district manager. Does anyone know more?
Still here in Starbucks Milledgeville GA.Matter of fact we have a book shelf where people bring books and borrow books!
Posted by: Di Peterson | September 22, 2013 at 04:57 PM
It has not been removed in my store in Maaaachusetts
Posted by: Joe | September 23, 2013 at 09:49 AM
Most of the newspapers that are thrown in that bin are not purchased.
Posted by: baroosta | September 23, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Wouldn't the logical thing be to ask at the store, not on the internet?
It's just a welded piece of metal. It probably got lost or broken. There is no conspiracy to "drive newspaper sales," since Starbucks doesn't really make money off them anyway.
Posted by: sarah b | September 23, 2013 at 12:37 PM
So many cheapskates used to fight over the used newspapers. We threw ours out years ago.
Posted by: abacabb | September 24, 2013 at 03:42 AM
There's a basket at my store, but it's used for local free magazines. People will leave their papers on tables sometimes...I just scavenge them for the crosswords and toss them.
Posted by: KDH | September 24, 2013 at 10:12 AM
My store just has papers for sale and of course the old guy who comes in, takes them without buying, crumples them up and puts them back. I'm sure he's a tea party type too, has the look.
Posted by: Jmy9595 | September 24, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Jmy9595, and what look would that be? White without tats or piercings?
Look who's judgmental now.
Posted by: ImChiquita | September 27, 2013 at 10:33 AM
They've been missing from quite a few stores I've visited in the San Diego area :(
Posted by: Tiki | September 28, 2013 at 03:22 AM
Let me say, the honorable people who purchase their papers leave the store with them. The "basket of shame" we have is for the folks who steal the papers , read thru them , don't return, and then feel too guilty to leave with them. Shame on any of you who do not pay for the paper, it is a disgrace to those who do the right thing and pay. Just another example of the self entitled species we have become. We don't make money on them , they are just a convenience for our guests. It frustrates me when people steal them.
Posted by: baristajack | September 30, 2013 at 07:39 PM