Will Price Hike Drive Caffeine Cravers Away?

By Stacy-Ann Ellis and Christine Baerga

A recent announcement of an upcoming increase in Starbucks Coffee
prices has sparked mixed reactions from New York’s dedicated coffee
drinkers.

On Tuesday, July 24, Starbucks Coffee announced that the company would raise its prices in the United States and Canada by 10 cents per product, starting next week. This will be Starbuck’s first consumer price hike in North America since August, 2000. The company feels that this price hike is necessary due to the mounting costs of coffee beans and sugar, which have increased by 36% and 39% accordingly.

Though there might be some opposition to the company and their price
hike, Starbucks still has its loyal customers.

“They are very popular, you know?” said Nancy Paris, a customer at Lehman College’s cafeteria. “Everybody goes [to Starbucks] but I think if the prices go up, eventually they will lose business.” Paris feels very strongly about the price increase. “Well I am upset, so I am sure a lot of New Yorkers are upset.”

With Starbucks being such a popular company, the price hike will affect more than just customers; it might have repercussions for the business, as well. “I really believe that Dunkin Donuts is giving them a run for their money,” said Elizabeth Sanchez, a prospective Lehman College student.

“It depends on how much money is in their pocket,” said Steve Sellas, a Bronx resident, sitting at a local Bronx coffee shop. “I don’t give a damn if it goes up $2. If I gotta buy a cup of coffee, I’m gonna buy a cup of coffee.”