Food is definitely an additive feature, and it keeps people in the stores longer and keeps them from going anywhere else. |
I think this is a ground-breaker for them. We'll see what the implications will be. ... There are probably more deals on the table. |
It's either an olive branch to acknowledge that they need to do more or others might view it as throwing down the gauntlet for government and business to work together. |
Starbucks is doing a remarkable job of adding new drinks and more stores, and the pace hasn't slowed one bit. |
The bigger story here is the return to historical norm of the sales number. The 7 percent internal growth number will help build a higher level of confidence that the company's investment efforts in hiring sales personnel is paying off. |
They have been doing the music scene for some time, but they did it quietly and broadened their tentacles over time to make it a viable business. They learn along the way, in incremental moves ... like with food, until they get the concept right, they won't be willing to bet the company on a move that could risk what they have built. |
With Wal-Mart, the online component is a step that they have been taking gradually, but it is not a full-on 'this is what we do for a living' business. With Amazon, this is what they do for a living. |
You have to continue to watch the costs. Definitely over the past year and a half or so there has been a real creep up in the selling, general and administrative expenses line because of better benefits. |