22.10.2026 10:34
World-famous coffee chain Starbucks is introducing a new practice at approximately 8,000 of its branches in China. Starting Thursday, customers who want to sit in the cafes will be required to purchase a product. The company announced that the decision aims to improve the in-store customer experience.
Starbucks is changing its seating rules at its branches across China. Under the new policy, people who do not purchase any product will not be allowed to sit in the cafés.
According to BBC News, Starbucks China reported that the measure was implemented to provide better service to customers and improve the in-store experience.
IT RECEIVED SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Before the decision was officially announced, images of signs reading "buy something to sit" at some Starbucks branches spread on social media.
A significant portion of Chinese social media users welcomed the policy. Comments on Weibo noted that it was difficult to find seats, especially during busy hours, because of people using tables without buying anything.
Some users complained about customers who sat at Starbucks with coffee bought from other brands and talked loudly on the phone.
IT HAD MADE SIMILAR DECISIONS BEFORE
Starbucks had also imposed restrictions on the use of its stores in different countries.
In South Korea, after some customers brought printers and desktop computers to cafés, the company asked that bulky items not be brought into stores.
In North America, it ended the open-door policy that allowed people who did not make any purchase to sit in stores and use the restrooms.
Last month in China's Sichuan province, a Starbucks branch chaining up its outdoor tables and chairs also caused controversy.
COMPETITION IN CHINA IS INCREASING
China, which Starbucks entered in 1999, is the company's second-largest market in the world.
However, Luckin Coffee, which offers more affordable products and focuses on delivery orders placed through its mobile app, overtook Starbucks in 2023 to become China's largest coffee chain.
Last year, Starbucks announced it would sell 60 percent of its China operations to Boyu Capital in a $4 billion deal.
In addition to the new seating policy, the company also plans to increase staff numbers and improve its digital infrastructure to speed up service during busy hours.