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
News Cincinnati loved in 2025
January 2, 2026
The story of prohibition bootlegger George Remus was among WLWT's favorite segments in 2025. UC Law Professor Christopher Bryant spoke with journalist Lindsay Stone about Remus using a temporary insanity defense during a murder trial.
What to know about this year’s big tax changes
January 2, 2026
Local 12 reported that taxpayers can expect some major changes this tax season. Gary Friedhoff, adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, recently spoke to Local 12 about how to avoid surprises.
Study finds police officers face higher long-term health risks
January 2, 2026
J.C. Barnes, a University of Cincinnati professor, is interviewed by Spectrum News about new research showing that the physical and psychological demands of law enforcement can contribute to earlier deaths.