Starbucks turns US sales growth corner as turnaround gains traction
Starbucks reported a 4% rise in US same-store sales for the three months to December—the first increase in two years—as it pursues a 'Back to Starbucks' turnaround. Footfall rose 3% and average spend rose 1%, while revenue climbed 6% to $9.9bn but net profit fell 62% to $293.3m due to higher labour and input costs. The company plans to spend $500m this year to add staff, closed underperforming cafés, and opened a net 128 stores, as it refines its store experience ahead of investor day and reiterates a 3%+ comps target for the year.
