Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Latest Breaking News

Showing Original Post only (View all)

groundloop

(13,142 posts)
Wed Apr 30, 2025, 09:45 AM Apr 30

Starbucks says cutting shop staff in favour of automation has failed [View all]

Source: The Guardian

Starbucks is planning to hire more baristas, get them to work more hours at its coffee shops and roll back its embrace of automation, as the company’s new leadership battles to turn the chain around.

Brian Niccol, who joined Starbucks as chief executive last September, has vowed to “fundamentally change” the company’s strategy in order to win back customers.

In a call with investors on Wednesday, he acknowledged that reducing the number of staff members in outlets had backfired.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve actually been removing labour from the stores, I think with the hope that equipment could offset the removal of the labour,” Niccol said. “What we’re finding is that wasn’t an accurate assumption with what played out.”

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/30/starbucks-says-cutting-shop-staff-in-favour-of-automation-has-failed

22 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Another duh moment Raven123 Apr 30 #1
If people wanted to watch a machine make their coffee, they would stay home and use their coffee makers Attilatheblond Apr 30 #2
I stopped going to Starbucks when they started putting the cream and sugar in the coffee for me. patphil Apr 30 #3
I want to go to Starbucks Puppyjive Apr 30 #4
They might turn that chain around GenThePerservering Apr 30 #5
"..with the hope that equipment could offset the removal of the labour." CrispyQ Apr 30 #6
Doubtful It Was A CEO ProfessorGAC Apr 30 #11
Executives are always doing something mind-bogglingly stupid (from a business standpoint) in order Aristus May 2 #16
But, They Always Employ.... ProfessorGAC May 2 #17
I used to work for McDonalds NJCher May 1 #13
I love that! Delphinus May 2 #22
My husband makes a pot of coffee every morning and leaves enough for me kimbutgar Apr 30 #7
This seems to be a theme today, corporate cost-cutting backfires. louis-t Apr 30 #8
And neither has keeping all the profits for yourselves! Initech Apr 30 #9
maybe stop torching their coffee beans mike_c Apr 30 #10
it's horrible Skittles May 1 #14
during the Great depression DENVERPOPS Apr 30 #12
What are you, a proletariat? Beringia May 2 #18
Starbucks is already just push-button automation for the coffee GenThePerservering May 2 #15
That's pretty funny mahina May 2 #20
Good mahina May 2 #19
*pretends to be shocked* sakabatou May 2 #21
Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Starbucks says cutting sh...