Starbucks China Mandates Purchases for Cafe Seating

Starbucks China will implement a nationwide policy on October 22 requiring customers to make a purchase before using cafe seating. The company stated that staff will be trained to remain flexible and provide priority assistance to pregnant women and customers with limited mobility. This shift follows a similar policy change enacted in the United States last year.

To combat falling same-store sales and competition from local rivals like Luckin Coffee, the company plans to invest over 300 million yuan ($44.9 million) in fiscal 2027. These funds will be used to refurbish approximately 1,000 mainland stores, upgrade digital technology, and increase staffing during peak periods to improve frontline service by over 200,000 hours monthly.

The strategic pivot comes after Boyu Capital acquired a controlling interest in the regional operations last November. CEO Molly Liu stated that the company will continue directing resources to the front lines of its stores in the new fiscal year.