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Starbucks CEO to employees: Empathize with worried investors after market troubles

A stock market selloff in China spilled over into U.S. markets Monday, fueling concerns for coffee drinkers.

Nathan Bomey
USA TODAY

As if coffee drinkers needed another reason to be jittery.

A stock market selloff in China spilled over into U.S. markets Monday, briefly sending the Dow down more than 1,000 points.

Soon after the stock market plunge, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz told employees to be kind to any customers who express concern about the volatility.

"Today's financial market volatility, combined with great political uncertainty both at home and abroad, will undoubtedly have an effect on consumer confidence and perhaps even our customers' attitudes and behavior," Schultz told Starbucks employees in an email first published by Fusion.net and later acquired by USA TODAY.

He added: "Our customers are likely to experience an increased level of anxiety and concern. Please recognize this and – as you always have – remember that our success is not an entitlement, but something we need to earn, every day. Let's be very sensitive to the pressures our customers may be feeling, and do everything we can to individually and collectively exceed their expectations."

The full email is below.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.

Here's Howard Schultz's email to employees

To:         Starbucks partners; managing directors for company-operated and joint venture markets

Date:    August 24, 2015

Re:         Message from Howard: Leading Through Turbulent Times    

Dear Partners,

During our 23-year history as a public company, we have experienced – and successfully navigated through – several periods of extreme stock market volatility. And although we are not immune from the global stock market selloff that has now made its way to Wall Street, my confidence in our company and in all of you has never been greater. We are in the midst of another record-setting year – combining our unique "third place" in-store experience with highly relevant coffee and tea innovation and differentiated customer-facing mobile and digital technologies. We are making a profound social impact in the communities we serve around the world, and will continue to do so today and into the future.

Our company has weathered many different types of storms. But our brand has never been stronger or more relevant. Our pipeline of new products and breakthrough innovation has never been more robust. And our long term commitment to delivering an elevated partner experience is unwavering. I can assure you that we will continue to lead and manage the company through the lens of humanity, doing everything we possibly can to continue to make your families proud of our company and all we stand for. You have my word on this.

Today's financial market volatility, combined with great political uncertainty both at home and abroad, will undoubtedly have an effect on consumer confidence and perhaps even our customers' attitudes and behavior. Our customers are likely to experience an increased level of anxiety and concern. Please recognize this and – as you always have – remember that our success is not an entitlement, but something we need to earn, every day. Let's be very sensitive to the pressures our customers may be feeling, and do everything we can to individually and collectively exceed their expectations.

Our growth plans for the future of our company will not be impacted by the turmoil of the financial markets. We will positively manage through today's challenging environment just as we have positively navigated through challenging moments in the past. The experience we deliver in our stores, the strength and equity of our brand, and the primary reason for our current and future success is because of all of YOU. I believe in you and have never been prouder to be your partner.

Onward,

Howard

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