Starbucks China will require customers to make a purchase before sitting in its cafes, aiming to improve the in-store experience amid competition from local rivals like Luckin Coffee.
01Summary
- 01The policy takes effect across all 8,000 Starbucks stores in China on Thursday.
- 02Starbucks faces stiff competition from homegrown brands such as Luckin Coffee.
- 03In 2023, Luckin overtook Starbucks as China's largest coffee chain.
- 04Last month, a Starbucks store in Sichuan province chained outdoor tables to prevent non-paying customers from sitting.
- 05Starbucks reversed its open-door policy in North America to prioritise paying customers.
02Why it matters
This change could affect how you use Starbucks cafes in China, as you will no longer be able to sit without buying something. It reflects a broader industry shift to manage space and enhance service for paying customers.
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