OK, the whole thread seemed to carry on just fine without my answering that question....anyway, I meant that there are a lot of Starbucks in Canada also. In Alberta - we're rich with oil, have horribly expensive housing and prices, and many people (including me) need two jobs to just try and hold their heads above water.

Seems everyone has gone off to work in the oil patch, so there is also a shortage of labour. Lots of jobs for crappy pay.

I meant that a bunch of Starbucks closing would help that situation. However, the former workers there would go to another job where the wages are just as crappy and unlivable.

Smaller companies might have less to lose and stick around longer, and maybe be better employers.

I see it as a difference in aircraft in accidents. If a Cessna goes down in a open field, maybe 4 people are affected.

If a 767 crashes - many more.

So while not talking about pro or con about big businesses - people employed by the big ones stand to lose a lot more if Head Office decides to cut back.

Smaller companies don't have the 'axe' decision made by someone far away who could care less about the people who work for them. I suspect they are more able to look at various solutions to the recession or other circumstances that hit them.