Starbucks China requires customers to purchase items before sitting in stores
The coffee chain implements a mandatory purchase policy across its 8,000 stores in China starting October 22.
Starbucks China implements a purchase-required seating policy across all 8,000 stores starting October 22. The company says the move aims to improve the in-store experience for customers.
The policy is part of Starbucks China's Third Place Initiative. Molly Liu, chief executive officer of Starbucks China, announced the change as the company faces competition from homegrown brands like Luckin Coffee.
Starbucks China says store employees will communicate the policy in a friendly manner and accommodate special circumstances. The company states customers requiring assistance, including pregnant women and people with mobility challenges, will continue to receive priority support.
The company plans to invest more than 300 million yuan in fiscal year 2027 to upgrade its in-store experience. Social media users in China largely welcomed the policy, with one top-liked comment on Weibo saying there won't be peak periods where people sit without ordering anything.
Starbucks stores in other regions have implemented similar measures. In North America, Starbucks reversed its open-door policy to prioritize paying customers, while stores in South Korea told customers to stop bringing bulky items like printers and desktop computers.
Source: bbc.com
