WILL THERE BE MORE STARBUCKS CLOSINGS?

The recent rash of Starbucks shutdowns has proven thatwhen the economic going gets tough, few people are willing to pay$5 for a cup of coffee. And if this week's poll respondents arecorrect, the company hasn't hit bottom yet. An overwhelming 84%predict there will be more Starbucks closings in the coming monthsthan the 600 already, and only 16% are optimistic that the squeezeis over. Robert Molloy, a vice president with CB Richard Ellis,says that Starbucks isn't the only retailer having trouble. Here iswhat he has to say:

"All businesses are challenged in today's economy, and retailersare no exception. They're looking to be more efficient. Thatinvolves closing their underperforming stores, repositioningthemselves in their respective markets, and concentrating theirefforts on strategic expansion plans in markets where they aregoing to thrive. It's smart business.