Devastation

Starbucks and I have had a very tumultuous relationship for several years now.

It started back in college, when cash-poor me would save my quarters to indulge in mochas during class breaks.

It was at a sad time in my life that I didn’t realize liquids could have calories. (This overlapped, thus, with the margarita phase.)

As I became more health-conscious, Starbucks was right alongside me, introducing the “skinny” latte. And behold my elation when I found out sugar-free skim vanilla lattes were a welcome and accepted part of the South Beach Diet dairy allowance?

As I went through various levels of employ, I graduated to a Starbucks card, and then a Starbucks Visa…and just last week joined the Rewards program. (Which allows me to sit, right at this second, in a Starbucks a few blocks from my home enjoying free wi-fi.)

Of course, our relationship has had its down moments, such as a few months ago when they forgot to put espresso in my latte, or the unfortunate times I’ve requested (and paid for) soy but got skim. But that happens. People who loves one-another disappoint each other all the time.

I have to say now, especially with the current overwhelming passion of free iced coffee Wednesdays, free rewards refills, and free wifi…we are in a better place than we’ve been for as long as we’ve been together. And because of that, the blurb I just read on Gothamist has me a little choked up. (And I’m pretty sure it’s not cause I semi-swallowed an ice cube.)

Starbucks has announced it’s closing 600 stores in the U.S., bringing the total number down to approximately 9 gazillion, most of them located in Astor Place. Stocks have fallen 24% so far this year, and its second quarter was its weakest as a public company. The Seattle-based chain says it will try to relocate employees to other stores, but thousands of layoffs loom. Financial analyst Sharon Zackfia tells the Times, “I don’t think it’s overly surprising. These stores were in aggregate unprofitable.” No word yet on how many NYC Starbucks locations will close, but one hopes it’s kept to a minimum, because where else will we use the bathroom?

Granted, this will likely not impact my life…and it’s quite possible that said closings will be in bumble America and not near me. I suppose I should think of those thousands of people losing their jobs…but I’m sorry. What about MY needs? Just yesterday, I was elated over my rewards membership allowing me free wi-fi at 7,000 Starbucks nationwide. And now, I find out, it may only be 6,400??? And what if it’s the beginning of a trend? What if before we know it…Starbucks…and all the wonderful things the world has gotten from them…is gone???

What about MY work? What about our history…and build up drink credits…and meaningful barista-caffeine-addicted customer relationship? What about my free rewards-milk-and-syrup upgrades???

Sigh. I need a moment. Go tell your barista you love them before it’s too late.