How Starbucks North is impacting local coffee shops

With the new Starbucks open and rumors of a 7 Brew coming to Marion, questions about the impact these new businesses will have on local coffee shops are on the rise. 

Krista Brown, an owner of Lolas’, said she thinks the new coffee shops will be good for Marion. 

“We support and are excited about changes that Mayor Morrell is making and all the new initiatives he has,” Brown said. “Bringing new businesses to the area is awesome.” 

Brown said that with the new Starbucks open, there is a possibility that local shops will be impacted.  

Andrea Vinluan, an owner of Lolas’, said she is not worried about the effects of the new coffee shops. 

“I think that the appeal is they will definitely have an impact, but the truth of the matter is there’s enough coffee drinkers that we believe it will be good,” Vinluan said. 

Brown and Vinluan said that Lolas’ offers more than just coffee by creating a community and space to form connections. 

Just like Lolas’, the staff at the Abbey Coffee Co. are considering the impact the new coffee shops will have on their business. 

Makenzie Cooper, a barista at the Abbey, said she thinks the new Starbucks and 7 Brew will not hurt the Abbey. 

“I remember our manager thinking at first that it was going to hurt the Abbey, but I think that the Abbey has such loyal customers,” Cooper said. 

Cooper said even though the new coffee shops will be big competitors, customers will still come to the Abbey because of the beans they sell. 

“People come for our beans, since we sell good drinks for those who like the taste of coffee,” Cooper said. 

With the new Starbucks open a couple miles away from Lolas’ and the Abbey, their customers are still staying loyal to the businesses. 

Gareth Hill, a frequent customer at the Abbey and Lolas’, said he thinks the new coffee shops will not compete with the atmosphere and coffee of the local shops. 

“People are looking for the social aspect of a coffee shop, but also for good quality drinks,” Hill said. “With Starbucks, it’s expensive and the drinks always taste different.” 

With the importance of creating an atmosphere for customers, places like Lolas’ and the Abbey continue to create experiences for their customers. 

Ellianna Vinluan, a barista at Lolas’, said they try to provide fun events for their customers. 

“We just did cuddles and coffee, trivia night, and a dried flower workshop,” Vinluan said. 

Brown said they also created an app for customers to order online and receive specials and discounts on drinks.