The Starbucks brand once appealed to global consumers pre-GFC era. Nowadays, people distance themselves from the ruthless 'greed is good' attitude to business, citing the toxicity of the GFC. Furthermore, small businesses everywhere are the deepest affected by the tyranny of the large multinational corporation, especially when consumers lose confidence in those institutions. As in 2008, the fall of some big institutions reverberated most amongst the smaller players in the economy. By corollary, the post-GFC global consumer understands that smaller, local businesses need their patronage to survive.

Perhaps any rebellion against global businesses like Starbucks is made by consumers who would like to disassociate themselves from global consumerism and their own role in today's society. Unfortunately, Starbucks is only facet that rebels can boycott and say they are anti-globalist or anti-consumerist. These people have a lost cause unless they propose to revolt against all products of global consumerism. Which, of course, is untenable. Just take a moment to digest the idea. Globalisation is a pervasive phenomenon that is unavoidable if the modern world's wheels are to keep spinning.

Personally I think Starbucks needs a few lessons from Gloria Jeans on how to make a decent cup of coffee.

"Runner"

Yet another reason to boycott 'Gloria Jeans'.

Oh Severin

You are so intolerant.

Runner

You are hilarious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7e9vnwTjJA&feature=related

Having been to the US, I can easily understand why Starbucks was so successful there. Unfortunately too many people see anything successul from the US must be good and spread it around the world.