Meet Du Xin. New Starbucks customer. We visited the Chengdu Starbucks set in an old original Manchu village. Du Xin had not been to Starbucks, ever, in his 33 years. We went to this location, one of several (but not many) located here in Chengdu. Ordering us a Tall coffee of the day, and of course a croissant, we sat on the second floor patio while we discussed more of the politics and economics of China. Pricing was a big topic given the cost of the coffee we were drinking. At 24 RMB (around $3.50USD) the price is significantly higher. Du Xin talked about salaries and expenses here in Chengdu and how things like Starbucks just can't be a part of his daily spending habit. He makes a decent wage providing guide services but still has to contend with cost of living issues along with everyone else here in Chengdu. It sounds like this economy is still very much in the formative stages.
Find the pictures here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mercury_customs/sets/72157624154683466/
