McDonald's Sales Down: Are You Part of the Reason?
Intense competition, a poor economy and consumers' switch to healthier eating has hurt the fast food giant.
The fast food industry's competitiveness level is at an all-time high, with McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's, the three largest chains, experimenting with menu changes to try to appeal to the masses.
McDonald's is dropping at least two of their current menu items, with more possibly being taken off the menu as well, Reuters reported.
Shares for McDonald's were down 0.2 percent last week, and in October, global restaurant sales fell for the first time in nine years.
The economy has also hurt the industry, as less people are spending money on restaurants because they have less money to spend overall.
Lastly, as more people look to eat healthier, they're eating less and less fast food. The obesity epidemic is an often talked about problem in America, and an increased number of people are becoming more concerned with what they eat.
How often do you eat at fast food restaurants? Do you eat at fast food restaurants less than you used to? Tell us in the comments section.
deb of see-attleboro
11:35 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
When I was young, Mcdonald's attracted teens. I don't think that is the case anymore. The young people I know go to Taco Bell, Subway TGIF etc. I don't know how sales are at these other venues. But I think the kids see the big three "hamburger joints" as lame.
McDonald's is lame.
GreenMom
2:15 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
My 4 year old still thinks its fun to get a Happy Meal. So once in a while we go there. Otherwise we try and eat at home, we know what goes into everything there, Lol. Plus living in Easton, if we want something fast to grab on the way home we just hit Panera. its a healthier choice. People are more focused on what they eat. WIth social media you see more of what junk fastfood is giving you.
paul
2:52 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
The new burger joints are way better, Five Guys, Red Robin, In & Out.
Serves You Right
11:09 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
ya,,if you wanna play 10 bucks for a greasy fried hamburger
Jean O
11:09 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
Five Guys burgers without the bun (gluten free) is pretty greasy. It needs the bun to sop up the grease. Their french fries are awesome! I still like McD's burgers better. The value meals change according to location. So a value meal in Norton is not the same deal in Brockton or Norwood.
Kimberly A
4:23 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
I cut out most processed foods from my diet, and now whenever I eat McDonalds, I feel heavy and sick. I caved in the other day when I was really hungry and out shopping, and bought a McChicken sandwich. The chicken was gristly, and the bun was thick and pastey. It was gross, and next time, I'd rather go hungry.
Steven Scott
4:23 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
Maybe it's because their prices have crept up to the levels of a good restaurant.It used to be cheep to hit the drive thru, now it costs you 10 bucks for a quick lunch. Take the kids and your out 20-30 bucks.
russell archambault
5:51 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
Do you eat at fast food restaurants less than you used to? NO, I JUST LEARNED HOW TO EAT MORE FOOD FASTER AT GOOD RESTAURANTS. same weight problems. less costly
Serves You Right
11:09 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
I'll grab something off the Dollar menu..but I prefer the "Flame Broiled" burger over a fried hamburger.......but no way am I paying 7 bucks for a big mac...not even at the stadium...
HJ
11:09 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
Let me start by saying I love McDonald's. I could eat there once a week. But the problem is a large burger, fries & drink cost $7+ and that's just for me. Throw in the wife & kids and we're talking a $25 meal.
Andy Novick
11:08 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
They threw me out of McDonalds for bringing in a bicycle. http://easton.patch.com/blog_posts/i-just-got-kicked-out-of-mcdonalds-by-manager-danawhat-would-ronald-mcdonald-say
Muriel Reilly
3:04 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
You couldn't pay me to eat that crap. And that's exactly what it is.