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More Details on Gourmet's Collapse
Yesterday morning began with breaking news that, after 68 years of publication, Gourmet was going out of print, and now we have more details on the magazine's collapse. Although the glossy will cease to exist, the Gourmet brand will live on through book publishing and TV programs. Staffers at the magazine were first unaware, then teary-eyed and harried, as they were allegedly given 48 hours to leave.
Gourmet Magazine to Fold
This morning, Condé Nast announced its oldest food title, Gourmet magazine, is folding. There were telltale signs of trouble: the glossy, which will print its last issue in November, just underwent budget cuts. As early as the onset of 2009, rumors were already flying that Gourmet would not see the end of the year.
Shrunken Packaged Foods' Slow Return to Their Original Size
In a small indication that America may be on a slow road to economic recovery, consumer foods marketers are beginning to reintroduce larger packages at the same price. Last year, manufacturers were hit by high fuel and commodity prices, so to avoid blatantly transferring cost increases to consumers, manufacturers such as Hellman's, Tropicana, and Kellogg's quietly began downsizing packages.
Ben & Jerry's even went after the size of Haagen-Dazs in its marketing campaign, pointing out that the rival company had downsized its "pints" from 16 to 14 ounces.
Sales Surge at Salvage Supermarkets
As customers search for deeper discounts, they appear to be moving away from traditional grocery stores. In recent months, sales have soared at salvage supermarkets, no-frills operations where shoppers can buy food that's discounted, sometimes by more than 50 percent. The lower price, however, comes at a cost.
Starbucks Renames Several Stores
This year alone, Starbucks has put its name on everything from instant coffee to super-premium ice cream, so it comes as a surprise that the corporate coffee titan is now moving to get rid of its name. The Seattle Times reports that the company is conducting a test to remove its ubiquitous name and mermaid logo from at least three of its Seattle stores and replace it with new names that emphasize the coffeehouses' surrounding neighborhoods. The first test location is slated to reopen next week bearing the new name 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea.
Is Cooking Real Food Cheaper Than Eating Junk Food?
It's a widely accepted notion that healthy, fresh food costs more than prepackaged, processed junk food, and not without reason. After all, vine-ripened tomatoes at the supermarket will set you back a few bucks more than frozen taquitos.
But in the Times "Bitten" column today, Mark Bittman attempts to dispel this notion altogether.
Diners Dissatisfied With Restaurants' Appetizer Offerings
In this week's economic news, appetizers are the latest victim of poor sales. Over the past two years, consumers have spent significantly less on items from the left side of the menu — on dishes like appetizers, salads, and soups. However, the decline may have more to do with customer dissatisfaction than with the bad economy.
Starbucks Launches Massive Social Network Marketing Blitz
Adjusting coffee prices, introducing instant brews, offering value meals — what will Starbucks think up next? Answer: A slew of promotions on social networking sites. Starbucks has just launched a massive marketing effort, the first Starbucks campaign to truly take advantage of the power of social networking.
Has the Economy Affected Your Favorite Restaurants?
From reduced corkage fees to price adjustments, it seems like every restaurant has been affected by the poor economy. Although I've been reporting the trend for months, I only experienced it firsthand this past weekend. I was at my parents' house and we went to eat at one of my favorite restaurants, Bricks.
Starbucks Hopes to Regain Footing With Adjusted Prices
So far, 2009 hasn't been any better for Starbucks than 2008, and the coffee giant continues to try and regain lost footing, hoping to make up for a 77 percent drop in profits last quarter. To promote value, Starbucks has announced plans to lower prices on basic drinks.
Beginning May 5, items such as the store's grande iced coffee will now retail for less than $2, giving some customers as much as 45 cents in savings.
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