- Starbucks China has introduced a nationwide policy requiring customers to make a purchase before taking a seat in any of its 8,000 outlets across the country.
- The policy aims to prevent non-paying individuals from occupying tables for extended periods, though staff are instructed to courteously accommodate pregnant women, people with limited mobility, and special circumstances.
- The decision comes as Starbucks faces fierce competition from lower-priced domestic rivals like Luckin Coffee, which overtook Starbucks in Chinese annual sales in 2023 through deep discounts and convenient app ordering.
- Financial pressure has increased on the coffee chain, with established store sales in China declining 14 percent during the 2024 fiscal year and dropping an additional 1 percent in 2025.
- The new rule has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some customers appreciating guaranteed seating during busy times and others concerned it undermines the brand's welcoming third-place image.
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