Starbucks hikes prices again
Over the lunch hour Tuesday, Starbucks patrons in Schaumburg sat in the shade at outdoor tables drinking coffee, nibbling on food and talking about the increasingly high price of their lifestyles.
Across from Woodfield Shopping Center, coffee drinkers said they didn't like Starbucks upping prices by about 3 percent for some coffees, yet none said they'll stop coming.
"I won't come as often," said Dari Carre of Grayslake, who bought an iced mocha latte. "It really adds up."
Tuesday was the first day of the price hikes, an average of 9 cents per cup of cappuccino, latte and other coffee and tea drinks at company-owned stores.
Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. blamed the second increase in nine months on dairy, energy and coffee bean prices.
Dairy prices have soared as the price of corn feed rose due to increased ethanol use, analysts have said. Also, because all Starbucks' coffee production is outside the country, high energy prices affect transportation costs.
Ken Ryan of Winfield works for Cargo Connection Logistics in Bensenville, a bonded container freight firm. He said he understands energy costs.
"I'm not mad at Starbucks, I'm mad at the government for not doing anything about energy prices," said Ryan, sipping on a latte and eating his fruit plate. Starbucks' food prices were not affected by the price hikes.
Spokeswoman Bridget Baker said earlier price hikes, such as the 5-cent hike in October, have not led to "a measurable customer attrition."
"It affects my bottom line," said Shadi Kattan of Chicago, a daily customer and devotee of the double espresso. "But not to the extent that I won't come back."
Some patrons said they feel they have no alternative but to pay the price hike.
"I'm kind of resigned to it," said Carolyn Buchach of Schaumburg, who ordered a skim milk latte, extra hot. "It's not as bad as it could be."
Dave Thomas of Kildeer said no price hike would stop his patronage of Starbucks and said he didn't notice his latte was 9 cents more on Tuesday.
"You've got rising costs, so someone has to pay in the end," Thomas said.