It's not your imagination: Your Starbucks caffeine habit might cost a bit more this morning. Or maybe just a little less.
The coffee chain has began adjusting some drink prices in several cities, including the Raleigh area, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Customers buying larger and more complex drinks will pay up to 25 cents more. But small and more basic drinks will cost a dime or nickel less, the newspaper reported.
Starbucks wouldn't identify cities that are seeing the price changes first, but a spokeswoman confirmed that they will roll out nationwide over the next few months. And employees at Raleigh Starbucks confirmed the changes are happening here.
In a memo, Starbucks warns its baristas to "expect customers to be sensitive to pricing changes in this economic climate," the Wall Street Journal reported.
The memo also says the pricing changes will vary by market and there may be differences between nearby stores.
Here's one tip: Starbucks also told baristas they can use change from a change cup at the register to make up the difference during the first four days following the price hike.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or
Comments
Are you kidding jlampley?
Mon, 08/24/2009 - 12:37 — HarbingerGAYou realize that the tall latte still costs more per ounce (at the lower price) than the venti latte (at the higher price)?
The range of prices between sizes was small to encourage people to buy the larger size. By spreading this range, the pricing is a little more equitable to those who don't really want a larger amount but still wanna feel like they are getting their money's worth.
Ultimately sallym is right, if you can afford $2.50-$4.50 for a coffee drink, a 25 cent increase is a fairly modest change.
If you can afford it...
Mon, 08/24/2009 - 11:25 — sallymIf you can afford to buy those expensive drinks - then you can afford to pay (literally) a few cents more. Me, I make my coffee at home and have it before I leave for work. Saves a LOT of money that way. If I need to pop into Starbucks when I'm on the road, then I get a cup of coffee, not a "fancy drink " (which is arguably a luxury). It's around a dollar and some change.
I just find it hard to believe that people that are already used to paying over the odds for a coffee would be "sensitive" to this change.
Former Starbucks Customer.....
Mon, 08/24/2009 - 11:06 — jlampleyA tall latte costs less and a venti latte costs more. That makes no sense at all. Since my drink of choice has been a venti latte, I'm subsidizing those that buy a tall latte!?!?! "The memo also says the pricing changes will vary by market and there may be differences between nearby stores." What!?!?!?!?! "In a memo, Starbucks warns its baristas to "expect customers to be sensitive to pricing changes in this economic climate," the Wall Street Journal reported." 'Ya think!?!? Good luck with that, Starbucks!! I'm now a FORMER Starbucks customer! Hello Dunkin' Donuts, Kerr Drug Caffe, McDonalds, anywhere BUT Starbucks!
Starbucks
Mon, 08/24/2009 - 08:34 — JoeBloggsMore expensive burnt coffee is still burnt coffee.