Green logo used from 1987-2010, still being used as a secondary logo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

by Rebecca Cochran

OK, it’s confession time. I have been a loyal Starbucks customer for almost twenty years. Nearly every morning, I start my day with a “tall dark roast for here.” I usually enjoy it in a mug on site at whichever Starbucks location is closest to where my work (or weekend fun) takes me on any given day.

I happened to be out-of-town a few days last week and, as I was enjoying my “tall dark roast for here” at an out-of-town Starbucks location, I took some time to ponder as to exactly why I’ve remained a Starbucks customer so long. Surely, my morning “drink” is the most simple of all Starbucks orders. No matter where I am, it’s a “tall dark roast for here.” (Unfortunately, not all Starbucks locations stock “for here” mugs, I’ve discovered.) Despite all the fancy add-ins, add-ons, whips and what-have-you’s, my order is the same every morning – a “tall dark roast for here.”

What got me thinking last week is that Starbucks is a master at providing me a consistent, tall cup of dark roast coffee every morning. I’ve learned to ignore the majority of other Starbucks’ in-store offerings all these years. As a marketing professional myself, I admire Starbucks for being able to consistently cater to my one simple morning need: a “tall dark roast for here.”

I can’t think of any other retailer that has held my attention so consistently for so long. Despite all of Starbucks’ line extensions, prototypes, menu additions and subtractions, hits and misses, I find it very easy to make my way through the retail clutter each morning and order a simple “tall dark roast for here.”

Surely, Starbucks must have many customers just like me – customers who aren’t interested in a fancy brew – just a consistently good cup of coffee. Starbucks should be commended for this accomplishment. The company has never lost sight of its core product: a simple cup of coffee.

What do you think? Do you know of any other product or service provider as consistent as Starbucks is? Is there another product or service to which you’re as fiercely loyal as I am to Starbucks? I’d love to hear from you via the comment area below.

P.S. I am secretly proud that a “tall dark roast for here” is still my morning drink of choice. I enjoy starting the day simply. Bravo, Starbucks!