BUSINESS

Starbucks China to Require Purchase for In-Store Seating

Published: Oct. 21, 2026 6:12 p.m. GMT+8

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A Starbucks store in Hangzhou. Customers will be required to make a purchase before taking up a seat. Photo: VCG

Starbucks China will require customers to make a purchase before using seats at its stores nationwide, as the coffee chain invests more than 300 million yuan ($45 million) to upgrade its store experience amid intensifying competition.

The policy takes effect Thursday, Starbucks China said Wednesday. Stores will display notices telling visitors that seating is reserved for paying customers.

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Starbucks China mandates purchase for seating from Thursday, investing ¥300 million ($45M) on store upgrades.
Policy enforces "third place" concept with exceptions for pregnant or disabled customers; disputes over nonpaying seat occupiers prompted action.
North America reversed a similar policy in January 2025; China faces slowing sales (0.5% Q1 FY2026) amid local competition.

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Who’s Who

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What Happened When

January 2025：: Starbucks reversed a nearly seven-year-old policy in North America that had allowed people to sit in stores or use restrooms without making a purchase.

September 2025：: A Starbucks in Nanchong, Sichuan province, drew criticism after chaining up outdoor chairs and posting signs saying they were reserved for customers; the chairs were later reopened after the episode drew attention online.

November 2025：: Starbucks said Chinese alternative-asset manager Boyu Capital would acquire operating control of Starbucks China through a joint venture.

First quarter of 2026：: Starbucks China's same-store sales growth slowed to 0.5% from 7% in the previous quarter (fourth quarter of 2025).

April 2026：: The transaction with Boyu Capital closed, with Boyu holding a 60% stake and Starbucks retaining 40%, while continuing to own and license the brand and intellectual property.

2026 fiscal year：: Starbucks's North American comparable-store sales rose during the first three quarters of the 2026 fiscal year.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026：: Starbucks China made the announcement about the new seating policy and also said it would invest more than 300 million yuan in fiscal 2027 to upgrade stores and improve service.

Thursday, October 22, 2026：: The new seating policy requiring customers to make a purchase before using seats at Starbucks stores nationwide takes effect.

By 2027 (fiscal year)：: Starbucks China plans to invest more than 300 million yuan for store upgrades, including additional staffing and refurbishing about 1,000 stores.

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