Its woes only continued to pile up from there.

For three consecutive quarters now, Starbucks' global same-store sales have been on the decline.

PerRestaurant Business Magazine, this is the worst sales period for Starbucks in 14 years.

Starbucks coffee cup

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Then in a Septemberopen letter,Niccol outlined a few factors he believes contributed to Starbucks' recent struggles.

These moments are opportunities for us to do better."

Starbucks store exterior

Photo: Artography / Shutterstock