(2008-04-29) My Starbucks Idea

StarBucks launched a My Starbucks Idea site to apply Crowd Sourcing to new ideas for them. It's one of a bunch of things being tried to improve their business.

Umair Haque wonders whether they're really listening. I Commented: I think a key question is: if a local Starbucks manager sees an idea he loves, is he able to implement it himself? Obviously some things are more likely to require central administration (new models for gift cards, etc.), but what categories of ideas can a manager get away with doing himself? With examples:

1. selling an energy drink

2. selling re-usable sleeves (with Starbucks logo)

3. stop carrying other goods