Starbucks: Slower but Still Steady

Coffee lovers in Mumbai are thrilled, even if their wallets need frequent ATM refills.

The serpentine lines at Starbucks outlets in Mumbai have shortened. In fact, even sales have come down a little bit. But a café employee indicates that business, while having tapered, is healthy. “Initially, we were [serving coffee and snacks] worth almost Rs 10 lakh a day,” says an attendant at the chain’s Horniman Circle outlet in Mumbai. “Now it’s about Rs 5–7 lakh.” Next on Starbucks’ agenda is increasing the number of cafés in the city. Mumbai recently got its fourth Starbucks café, at Hiranandani Gardens in Powai. The company plans to open 17 more in the city. Coffee lovers are thrilled, even if their wallets need frequent ATM refills.

About The Author

arindam