All articles tagged with #starbucks
Starbucks is launching its Pink Vibes merch collection to celebrate the Pink Drink, featuring pink Bearista Cup accessories, tote bags, hats, hoodies, tees, and pink drinkware from Owala and Miir. The pink Bearista Cup goes online July 9 for members and July 13 for everyone else, with several items listed as online exclusives or already sold out, encouraging shoppers to act fast.
Oregon-based Dutch Bros Coffee is opening its first Seattle location inside a former Starbucks in the SoDo neighborhood, planned for Q4 2026 at 4115 Fourth Ave S. The 1,800-square-foot space will be remodeled with plumbing and electrical upgrades and a 290-square-foot quick-transition area added. Dutch Bros has more than 1,000 locations nationwide and has been expanding in Washington since 2016, following Starbucks closures in the region.
Starbucks is releasing limited-edition Pink Bearista Glass Cold Cups inspired by the Pink Drink, arriving July 13 in select U.S. coffeehouses with early access for Reserve members on July 9; two-item purchase limit and availability on the Starbucks Shop as part of the Pink Drink merchandise line.
In a St. Louis Starbucks, two employees fought off armed robbers and helped subdue them during a December 2023 incident, but weeks later were fired for allegedly not complying with company policy, triggering backlash over safety and corporate guidelines.
New footage shows a Starbucks employee in St. Louis and a coworker fighting off two robbers during a December 2023 incident; the gun was revealed to be fake, one robber escaped while the other was restrained until police arrived. The workers were fired, and Michael Harris is suing for wrongful termination as the robbers have since been convicted, while Starbucks emphasizes de-escalation in its safety training.
Starbucks marks the global soccer moment with free, limited-edition captain-inspired cup sleeves for any size beverage on June 11 in the U.S., and fan gatherings plus locally inspired sleeves in more than 30 markets starting June 10. A soccer-themed Bearista Cup launches in Canada, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region, with online-only availability for Rewards Reserve members in the U.S.; exclusions apply to bottled water, ready-to-drink beverages and alcohol.
South Korea’s Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin issued a second public apology for Starbucks Korea’s controversial “Tank Day” marketing campaign, which many perceived as mocking the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. The promotion was canceled, its CEO was fired, and police opened an investigation as public backlash and calls for boycotts grew. Chung urged people not to direct anger at staff, and the company is reviewing actions by marketing employees while authorities assess the case.
Starbucks Korea fired its country head in response to a controversial tank-themed promotion that sparked public outrage and scrutiny of the company’s marketing decisions.
Starbucks plans to cut about 300 corporate positions and close several U.S. offices as part of a broader turnaround effort to trim costs and streamline operations, affecting its Seattle headquarters and other corporate sites while continuing to focus on its store business.
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is moving from Washington to Florida, using his departure to criticize state and local leaders as he packs up his moving van.
Starbucks is laying off 61 employees at its Seattle Support Center as part of a technology department reorganization, with permanent positions and a WARN notice; layoffs run from June 20 to August 28, and workers are not represented by a union. Despite a Nashville expansion, Seattle remains the company’s North America and global HQ, following earlier closures and broader layoffs in 2025–26.
Starbucks stock jumped after-hours on a Q2 beat and higher 2026 guidance, with adjusted EPS of $0.50 on $9.5B revenue and 6.2% global same-store sales, as CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround gains momentum; the company also announced tipping options expansion and $1,200 annual bonuses for baristas and managers, lifting 2026 SSS growth to over 5% and EPS to $2.25–$2.45.
Starbucks reported Q2 FY2026 results with global comparable store sales up 6.2% (NA +7.1%, US +7.1%, International +2.6%, China +0.5%), and net revenues up 9% to $9.53 billion. GAAP EPS was $0.45 and non-GAAP EPS $0.50. Operating margins expanded, and the company raised its fiscal 2026 guidance to at least 5% comp growth, roughly flat consolidated net revenues, non-GAAP EPS of $2.25–$2.45, and about 600–650 net new stores globally. Highlights include Back to Starbucks progress, a China joint venture with Boyu Capital (Starbucks 40%, Boyu 60%; impact reported in Q3), a refreshed loyalty program launch, and a quarterly dividend of $0.62 per share. Starbucks also noted store count at 41,129 with ongoing investments and strategic actions in 2026.
Starbucks delivered stronger-than-expected Q2 results: revenue of about $9.53 billion and adjusted EPS of 50 cents, with global same-store sales rising 6.2% (U.S. up 7.1%, international slower) and traffic gains prompting a raised full-year outlook to at least 5% SSS growth and adjusted EPS of $2.25–$2.45 for 2026. China weighed on results despite discounting.
Starbucks’ revamped North American Rewards program—reinstating tiers, adding free Mod Mondays, double points for reusable cups, and extending birthday rewards—appears to attract value-focused customers, with loyalty transactions accounting for about 60% of fiscal 2025 revenue and early data showing the 60-star redemption option as the most popular; the company is set to discuss results on its upcoming Q2 earnings call.