CASE 10Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in 2005Are the Glory Days Over
Arthur A
ThompsonThe University of AlabamaAmit J
ShahFrostburg State UniversityC-199early 2004, Krispy Kreme’s prospects appeared bright
With 357 Krispy Kremestores in 45 states, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and Mexico, the companywas riding the crest of customer enthusiasm for its light, warm, melt-in-your-mouthdoughnuts
During the past 4 years, consumer purchases of Krispy Kreme’s doughnutproducts had taken off, with sales reaching 7
5 million doughnuts a day
Considerablecustomer excitement—approaching frenzy and cult status—often surrounded the open-ing of the first store in an area
When a new Krispy Kreme opened in Rochester, NewYork, in 2000, more than 100 people lined up in a snowstorm before 5:00 AM to getsome o