ABC News: Starbucks sees sales slump
UC economist says it would be more concerning if other companies also reported revenue declines
Sales at Starbucks are slumping, ABC News reported, which has some people worried about broader consumer spending.
Michael Jones, PhD, assistant professor of economics
In an earnings report, the coffee chain reported an approximately 2% decline in revenue over the first three months of the year. Many economic analysts view Starbucks as a bellwether for consumer spending, leading to questions about whether the reduced consumer spending is a problem specific to the company or to the economy as a whole.
Michael Jones, PhD, assistant professor of economics in the University of Cincinnati's Carl H. Lindner College of Business, told ABC News there should be concern if more companies start reporting similar declines to revenue.
“When you see it happening at companies outside of Starbucks, that’s when it becomes a broader worry that you’re concerned about,” Jones said.
Featured image at top: Starbucks logo and coffee beans. Photo/engin akyurt via Unsplash
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Will AI really replace your job?
February 6, 2026
As artificial intelligence seeps into more careers, some people wonder if any jobs will become obsolete in the coming years, according to 700WLW. Jeffrey Shaffer, director of Lindner College of Business’ Applied AI Lab, spoke with 700WLW on the future of AI in the workplace.
Revolutionary AI technology enhances diagnosis of substance use disorder
February 6, 2026
MSN, Bioengineer and other outlets highlight a new study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati who developed a novel AI to predict substance use disorder.
Affording college and how students loans are changing
February 5, 2026
Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with WVXU's Cincinnati Edition for a segment on college affordability. Miner discussed the recently launched Bearcat Affordability Grant and changes in the federal government's Saving on Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.