High Gas Prices Equals No More Starbucks for Me

High Gas Prices Equals No More Starbucks for Me

By Melissa Nykorchuk

It was no surprise to me when I read this morning that Starbucks is going to close more than 600 stores in the United States.

I know that I have been less frivolous with my money.

There are a number of things I’ve given up slowly as gas prices have increased.

I no longer go for a ride when I feel stressed out, I eat out less and I no longer get my daily grande mocha latte from my local Starbucks.

Yes, they made plenty of money off of me in the past years. At more than $3 for a coffee that costs about a quarter to make, I figure Starbucks has made more than $600 on just me alone this year. Times this by the number of people in line every morning, and my local Starbucks has done well over the years.

Now, when we all have to take stock in what we are spending our money on, what does the company do? When we have to fill our gas tanks using grocery store incentives and change found under the couch cushions, does Starbucks understand? No, they leave, deserting us when we are down.

Closing the door and keeping the coffee all locked up. The loyal followers are not being rewarded for our consuming of costly cups of coffee, but instead being scalded.

I don’t blame Starbucks for my woes. I can’t travel as much as I used to because of the higher costs of travel that have risen due to gas prices. I don’t have as much petty cash left at the end of the month because it costs almost $80 to fill my gas tank. Maybe being home more and enjoying the little things in life is what high gas prices are really trying to teach us.

Like the success of bars and candy stores in the depression, I figured that Starbucks would be doing well in our “not really a recession let’s give everyone a tax rebate” economy.

When we can’t afford big luxuries, we want the small ones like our grande mocha lattes. Maybe I can’t go every day, but I’d like to. I certainly spend more on coffee still than I do on clothes, electronics or even books.

Is there an end to the effects of high gas prices on my coffee consumption? Will I be forced to drink home brew that may be a good substitute for the gas I put in my car right now?

I think that Starbucks should be welcoming us all back with incentive coupons and discounted coffee. “Show us your gas receipt, we’ll give you a reasonably priced coffee” could be their new slogan.

We are all suffering with having to deal with the high cost of gas, do we really need to be without our coffee too?