Starbucks is using its coffee cups to jump into the political fray in Washington.
The world’s biggest coffee chain is asking employees at cafes in the Washington, D.C., area to scribble the words “Come Together” on cups for drink orders today and Friday. CEO Howard Schultz said the words are intended as a message to lawmakers about the damage being caused by the divisive negotiations over the so-called fiscal cliff.
It’s the first time employees at Starbucks cafes are being asked to write anything other than customers’ names on cups.
Schultz said the message is a way to underscore the damage being done to the “consumer psyche and behavior” by the talks. Although he said Starbucks sales haven’t been affected, he pointed out that Walmart Stores Inc. CEO Mike Duke warned that fears over the fiscal cliff could cause Americans to pull back on holiday spending.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.