No purchase, no seats: Starbucks China rolls out new policy
Summary
Starbucks China has introduced a new rule requiring customers to buy something if they want to sit inside its cafes. This policy aims to improve the experience for paying customers amid growing competition from local coffee brands like Luckin Coffee.Key Facts
- The policy applies to all 8,000 Starbucks stores across China starting Thursday.
- Customers must purchase items to use seating inside the stores.
- Starbucks China says the change is to improve the in-store experience for paying customers.
- The move responds to heavy competition from local brands such as Luckin Coffee.
- Luckin Coffee surpassed Starbucks as China’s largest coffee chain in 2023.
- Starbucks China plans to add more staff and upgrade digital systems to improve service during busy times.
- Similar seat usage policies and related challenges have appeared in Starbucks stores worldwide, including North America and South Korea.
- Starbucks opened its first store in China in 1999 and is currently the company’s second-largest market.
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