Dalkey against Starbucks

In local news this week is the story that Dalkey, a small town just south of Dublin, is up in arms at the prospect of a Starbucks cafe on their doorstep. Like many places around the world, the residents of Dalkey don't like the idea of globalisation coming to their idyllic coastal village. (Sorry folks. Living in 21st century Ireland means globalisation is already there even if McDonald's are not - does the local pub sell Guinness?).

A Bebo site has been set to garner support for their protest: Dalkey against Starbucks.

Along with the issues of globalisation, the biggest concern seems to be for the welfare of locally owned businesses. Particularly cafes. I too would have that concern and, in fact Starbucks even admit to their tactic being total coffee domination of a local area. (See article below).

However, my view has changed slightly when I came across an article in Slate. In the article it is proposed that having a Starbucks open in your area is actually a good thing for local cafes for the simple reason that having a Starbucks creates a buzz (literally!) and draws people into the area for coffee. The report highlights that when people get fed up with standing in long lines for coffee they opt for the independent cafe next door. The independents also have a flexibility in what they serve and at what price, which a franchise like Starbucks don't. So when SB sell a tall latte for 3.00 euro, you could sell yours for 2.50 and still probably make a 300% profit! (Plus SB don't have loyalty punch cards like others do).

Admittedly the article is written from a North American context, but it's interesting and well worth a read if you have a couple of minutes:

Why Starbucks actually helps mom and pop coffeehouses


UPDATE: Starbucks is now open in Dalkey. You can read about my quick visit here.