Motley Fool:
Starbucks came out last week illustrating its first quarterly increase in same-store sales for the US in 2 years. 
It looks like the Starbuck’s strategy of cutting costs and closing more than 900 outlets has helped the firm regain control of itself. Further, this is a good indication in our opinion that the American consumer is finally starting to spend on “luxury†discretionary items. Not to stretch the point too far but I think everyone knows how something so little and minute in the grand scheme of things can make you more happy and productive throughout the day. Perhaps next we will see even better productivity numbers in the US!
The 2010 earnings forecast was raised and even beat Wall Street estimates. Now with so many companies being cautious on forecasting statements we see this as a pretty bold move by Starbucks management. Perhaps they are seeing things that other firms are not willing to confirm.
