Tom Peters - tompeters! Blog 

In the article “We Have Met the Enemy,” Tom Peters alludes to Starbucks as its own enemy since it stands in its own way towards excellence.  Getting unstuck from the analysis paralysis of metrics should prove challenging.  Furthermore, with a plummeting stock and shake up in top management, will Howard Schultz’s return as CEO reinvigorate the brand to what was once a “third home” that created value to customers?  Or has Starbucks long reached its tipping point and will continue to spiral downward?  How much longer will it be until consumers are so fed up with the experience of going to yet another over-crowded Starbucks when one can go to an over-crowded Dunkin Donuts where the good coffee is cheaper, or better yet head to McDonald’s where the coffee is cheap - and gourmet since they’re now adding new premium choices as well as baristas, and it’s even less crowded?

Lori A. Rochino - With over 7 years of marketing communications experience, Lori has worked in a variety of industries, including finance, publishing, and fashion. She is currently a marketing specialist at an e-commerce firm and manages web content for the AMA Boston Chapter.  She resides in Natick with her husband.