Earlier this week, a few websites reiterated a post from a Starbucks gossip blog—yes there is such a thing—claiming that several of the coffee franchise’s NYC locations were quietly covering up AC power outlets to dissuade computer users from loitering around for too long. And today, a spokesman for Starbucks says it’s true.
I visited a few of their Manhattan stores last night to see it firsthand.
Here’s some of the results:
39th Street and 8th Avenue: There was only one open outlet. The other eight or so were covered up. A worker says the modification was made “about six months ago.”
35th Street and 8th Avenue: The outlets were sealed “since July” according to a counterperson, who thinks it’s a good thing. “People were setting up offices and staying for hours.”
34th Street and 5th Avenue (Empire State Building): There was plenty of places to plug into.
33rd Street and 5th Avenue: “There’s one hidden one,” said a barista after moving a display box to reveal an outlet. “They took them all out about five months ago. They wanted to increase the flow.”
29th and 5th Avenue: None of the outlets were covered.
23rd Street and 5th Avenue: Six outlets towards the front of the store were covere “about three months ago,” according to an employee. The three in the back remained.























If they start blocking access to the restrooms, it's all over. Does anyone go to Starbucks for the coffee? (sent from San Francisco, where if you don't drink indie, you at least drink Peets.)
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