1) Starbucks once targeted the premium consumer segment with incomes over $28,000, attracting customers with high-quality coffee and a distinctive third place experience.
2) However, consumers began to feel that Starbucks lost touch with its core customers and no longer delivered on its promises of excellent customer service and a quality experience.
3) The global financial crisis further impacted Starbucks, forcing it to cut jobs and refocus its growth strategy on existing markets rather than new store openings.