Starbucks is facing a perfect storm of challenges, including rising inflation, labor activism, and shifting consumer perceptions. To retain its customer base, Starbucks has introduced discounts and promotions, leading to a 49% increase in the average price of a grande brewed coffee since 2020 [570e572d]. The coffee chain offered promotions for about half of May and began selling bundles of coffee and breakfast food starting at $5. While offering more value is important, experts warn that it won't solve the issue of long wait times and other customer complaints. Foot traffic at Starbucks locations is down due to gripes about wait times, service quality, and the ambience of cafes. Starbucks reported a fall in sales in May for the first time in nearly three years. CEO Laxman Narasimhan highlighted slow service as a major problem and mentioned that customers abandon orders due to long wait times. One in 12 customers now waits between 15 and 30 minutes to get their drink, and one in every 50 orders took more than half an hour during the first three months of the year [61ae2ddd]. Starbucks has also faced labor activism and a battle with labor activists seeking to unionize its workforce. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Starbucks, raising concerns among labor advocates [570e572d]. The brand's perception has shifted, particularly among younger consumers, who now view Starbucks as a convenience rather than a cool and aspirational destination. The company has responded by introducing new menu items, ramping up promotions, and pledging to improve operational efficiency and customer experience [570e572d]. However, Starbucks has experienced a decline in global sales, with a 3% drop in the US market. Some analysts believe Starbucks' challenges go beyond macroeconomic factors and indicate a fundamental shift in the brand's appeal. The company's struggles may also reflect its own brand and operational issues rather than broader economic trends. The future outlook for Starbucks remains uncertain, and its recovery will depend on regaining customer trust and loyalty, adapting to changing market conditions, and addressing labor activism [570e572d].