Slate put out a really interesting article on Thursday about how we’ve seen a huge rise in cupcake shops across America’s metropolitan centers and that this is a bubble that we’re about to see burst.
In the article, he talks about how, while times are good, people will be able to afford these $3 sugary treats. As more and more people start getting hit by the recession, things like cupcake purchases will be the first things to go.
The stores that were in there from the beginning have been able to attract the audiences and reap the rewards of the revenue. Everyone else, who’s been just jumping on to the trend, will have a harder time of turning their store into a sustainable business.
This totally makes sense.
If I was thinking about starting a cupcake shop, I’d just want to make it more than just a cupcake shop. Here in Washington DC we have some interesting examples of this. Baked & Wired in Georgetown have made themselves into a real full service coffeeshop along with having AMAZING cupcakes. At Red Velvet in Chinatown, there is literally just a counter with cupcakes.
While a consuming a cupcake is more of an occasional expense, a cup of coffee is a regular part of my life. I’d much more easily see Baked & Wired becoming part of my life and I’d imagine being a more sustainable business.
Have you been to a cupcake place lately? How much did you pay?
We're going to see a cupcake bubble burst because cupcakes are soooooo West Village '03 =)
I'm not so sure the bubble is about to burst. Cupcakes are comparatively an affordable indulgence in these lean economic times. Maybe you can't afford to buy a whole cake or a movie ticket or that vacation you're after…but a $3 cupcake? Sure, why not? Especially in the middle of a rough workday, if you're lucky enough to have one of these spots near you.
I've been to Hello Cupcake in Dupont and their cupcakes are amazing. I'm also partial to the cupcakes at Cakelove. I'm actually pretty sure I'm going to have a cupcake theme for my 30th birthday – because that way, everyone gets a flavor they like.
In tough times a $3 cupcake is an affordable self-indulgence. It's like good beer — recession-proof. – lentigogirl
There might be a cupcake bubble getting ready to burst, but it all depends as you said on what else the shop provides.
Over near me in Old Town Alexandria there is Buzz Bakery Coffee & Lounge – http://www.buzzonslaters.com/ There main thing is cupcakes and coffee, but they also have sandwiches, wine, beer, and even hard liquor. This I think will make it more difficult for the cupcake bubble to effect them.
They also have music on every other Monday night, if memory serves me right. They also promote having game night there with friends and family. I have seen people go to the counter and ask for games and all you need is a drivers license or the like to get a game from their stash.
Now see what you have made me do, I now want go there for a cupcake and do a bit of reading. The nice part is they are open until midnight everyday.
I only eat cupcakes when one of the girls from the office decides to get them for our meetings. They are great, but not worth paying the $3, especially when work will occasionally provide them for free. If we're counting calories and cash, I'd rather forgo the cupcake and invest in beer…
I'm with you Jon. I'll definitely enjoy cupcakes but they'll always be an occasional treat. They'll never be a massive part of my life. Yea, I'd rather spend that money on beer.
I definitely see this as the more sustainable type of business.
The other great thing about Buzz Bakery is they have really good wifi, which is a plus in my book. Another thing is that Rustico is across the street so you can have dinner first and the go there for dessert.
With all this talk of health care reform here in DC, I'm thinking that the majority of cupcake consumption will soon be moving online. I can totally see a website where you can create a virtual custom cupcake for just $2 and then you get to stare at it, saving both $1 and the calories.
With all this talk of health care reform here in DC, I'm thinking that the majority of cupcake consumption will soon be moving online. I can totally see a website where you can create a virtual custom cupcake for just $2 and then you get to stare at it, saving both $1 and the calories.
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