Starbucks reaches 5,000-store milestone

The US Coffee chain is expanding heavily into the Asia Pacific region. Milestone underscores Starbucks accelerated growth across the region where the company expects to open more than 400 stores in 202, many of them with Drive-thru is fully equipped with digital signage.

Starbucks has achieved its 5,000^th store opening in South Korea, marking a significant milestone in its continued growth journey in the Asia Pacific region where it has achieved net new store growth of 8% over the past 12 months. Located on a major road that connects residential areas with business districts, the new drive-thru store represents a diversifying portfolio and continued expansion across the Asia Pacific region. As recovery continues, the region achieved over 20% sales growth year on year, demonstrating the strength and relevance of the brand.

Accelerating expansion with diversifying store formats across cities in Asia Pacific

Starbucks plans to expand further in the region by opening 400 stores this year, mainly in cities on India and beyond the metropolitan areas in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. APAC’s 5.000^th store is a 500 sqm freestanding drive-thru store along a major road in South Korea. Fully equipped with the latest digital features and technology, the new drive-thru store offers customers on-the-go the convenience of enjoying a beverage from the comfort of their cars; and customers that choose to visit the store a warm and welcoming third place to connect while enjoying their favorite coffee.

Starbucks drive-thru stores across Asia Pacific have more than doubled in the last four years, many of which have become community hubs at residential areas, with some fitted out with private rooms that can be booked for business meetings, study sessions or family gatherings. Building on its existing portfolio of over 600 drive-thru stores in the region, Starbucks plans to add over 100 more this year to cater to customers wanting to enjoy a welcoming third place in the neighborhood or a beverage on the move.

Building on the welcoming third place experience Starbucks is known for, the company also plans to open more Starbucks Reserve flagship stores across Asia Pacific to bring customers an intimate, multi-sensory coffee experience. Currently there are now more than 145 Starbucks Reserve stores across 11 Asia Pacific markets.