Since the Fall menu was introduced by Starbucks in late August, customers have been going gaga for the pumpkin and pumpkin spice-centric beverages.
Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks cited record sales two weeks ago, the highest in the tenure of Starbucks existence:
“Our highest, record sales week in our 51-year history was two weeks ago,” Howard Schultz, interim CEO of Starbucks, told investors last week.”
Per retail foot traffic firm Placer.ai – compared to last years increase in foot traffic at 16.2% (after the Fall menu line-up rolled out), this year – foot traffic soared to over 25.7%.
The huge popularity of Starbucks, Pumpkin Spice Latte has led other franchises to put similar products on their menu in hopes of claiming a piece of the pie. The latte has been on the Fall line-up for over two decades and is only outpaced by the, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.
Dunkin’ Donuts also saw a marked increase in sales and foot traffic due to the seasonal pumpkin flavor debut. Though not as high or with as impressive numbers, Dunkin’ has still relished in the increase in seasonal traffic.
Some on Twitter expressed their disappointment with typical fall representations being left behind in the fast food seasonal menu fervor.
@Sandherrera_ notes that the lack of apple and cranberry from both franchises is appalling across the board. She makes a good point as the heavy focus on pumpkin could alienate people with allergies or anyone who doesn’t care for pumpkin as a flavor.
With the numbers that are coming out this season…maybe next year at this time, we’ll see even more fierce competition between the two coffee-centric establishments.
And perhaps the anti-pumpkin contingent will see their day.
