• Seattle Times, Friday, August 21, 2009 10:40 AM

Starbucks shaved a nickel or dime from simple drinks like 12-ounce lattes in certain markets yesterday but the price for some larger and more complicated beverages is increasing by as much as 30 cents, reports Melissa Allison in her "Coffee City" blog. It's part of a readjustment that will roll out nationwide over the next few months, according to spokeswoman Valerie O'Neil.

When Starbucks last raised prices in the U.S. -- in July 2007 -- store traffic dropped, a trend that has continued. Starbucks management has blamed the prevailing economic conditions.

O'Neil says the changes reflect geographic and cost considerations but that there was "not one specific trigger." And Starbucks isn't necessarily the most expensive option in the java marketplace. "There's a misperception out there that Starbucks is more expensive than others, when in reality we are in some cases below our competitors' prices," O'Neil asserts.

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