Starbucks, the renowned coffee chain, has been facing a multitude of issues recently, ranging from declining sales to racial discrimination incidents in their stores. In response to these challenges, the company’s CEO, Kevin Johnson, has taken a hands-on approach to address these concerns and steer the company in a more positive direction.
One of the major issues that Starbucks has been grappling with is a slowdown in sales growth. The company has been facing increasing competition from other coffee chains as well as a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier options. In an effort to combat this, Johnson has implemented various strategies to revitalize the brand and attract more customers. This includes introducing new menu items, expanding their digital presence, and focusing on sustainability initiatives to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
In addition to addressing sales growth, Starbucks has also been dealing with a series of racial discrimination incidents in their stores. In 2018, the company came under fire after two African American men were arrested at a Philadelphia store for simply waiting for a friend. In response, Johnson issued a public apology and implemented unconscious bias training for all employees to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Furthermore, Johnson has been proactive in addressing other social issues as well. Under his leadership, Starbucks has committed to hiring 10,000 refugees over the next five years and has pledged to eliminate plastic straws from all their stores by 2020 to reduce environmental waste.
Overall, Johnson’s hands-on approach to tackling these issues has been met with praise from both customers and employees alike. By taking swift and decisive action, he has demonstrated his commitment to making Starbucks a more inclusive, sustainable, and successful company. As Starbucks continues to navigate these challenges, it is clear that Johnson’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the iconic coffee chain.