Core Viewpoint - The private equity firms Carlyle Group and Boyu Capital are leading a bid to acquire Starbucks' business in China, with a potential valuation of approximately $4 billion, excluding franchise fees [1] Group 1 - Carlyle Group and Boyu Capital are the main players in the acquisition bid for Starbucks' China operations [1] - The estimated valuation for the deal is around $4 billion, which does not include any franchise fees [1]

花旗：将星巴克(SBUX.US)目标价从99美元下调至84美元。 ...

2025年10月13日，星巴克企业管理(中国)有限公司在优质运营、创新突破、社会贡献等指标中表现优 异，根据经观受尊敬企业组委会初步评估，入围《经济观察报》2024—2025年度受尊敬企业。 ...

TD Cowen将星巴克的目标价从88美元下调至84美元，维持"持有"评级。(格隆汇) ...

Core Insights - Starbucks' flagship Reserve store in Shenzhen's MixC will close on October 12 due to contract expiration and adjustments in the business district [1][3] - Since its entry into Shenzhen in 2002, Starbucks has played a crucial role in shaping the local coffee culture, with a total of 368 stores expected by September 2025 [3] - The company is continuously adapting its store formats, locations, and designs to meet evolving consumer demands and market conditions [3] Company Strategy - Starbucks emphasizes the importance of both new and old store transitions, indicating a strategy of renovation and upgrade in response to changes in consumer preferences and surrounding business environments [3] - The closure of the flagship store is part of a broader strategy to maintain relevance and competitiveness in the market, with other nearby stores still providing service [3]

格隆汇10月3日｜TD Cowen：将星巴克(SBUX.US)目标股价从95美元下调至88美元。 ...

Core Insights - Starbucks is facing significant challenges in both North America and China, leading to strategic restructuring and layoffs as part of a $1 billion plan to close hundreds of stores and cut approximately 900 jobs [1][4][13] - The North American market has seen a decline in sales for six consecutive quarters, with a 2% year-over-year drop reported as of June 29 [1][4] - In China, Starbucks is struggling against local competitors, with its market share plummeting from 42% in 2017 to 14% in 2024, while local brands like Luckin Coffee have surpassed Starbucks in revenue [5][9] Group 1: North America Operations - Starbucks announced a second round of layoffs, following the previous cut of 1,100 employees earlier in the year [1] - The company plans to reduce the number of North American stores from 18,743 to 18,300 by the end of the fiscal year [1] - The CEO acknowledged that some stores do not meet customer expectations or profitability standards, leading to closures [1][4] Group 2: China Market Challenges - Despite not being directly included in the layoffs, the Chinese market is undergoing significant strategic adjustments, including potential sale of equity to attract external investment [4] - Starbucks has initiated a price reduction strategy in China, lowering prices on popular items by an average of 5 yuan, but this has not effectively reversed the declining trend [7][9] - The competition from local brands has intensified, with new tea and coffee brands rapidly gaining market share and offering lower prices [5][9] Group 3: Brand Perception and Employee Relations - The company has faced backlash over its mooncake sales strategy, with employees reportedly being pressured to meet sales targets, leading to negative public perception [10][12][13] - Starbucks is attempting to reposition itself by transforming stores into community spaces, but the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain [9] - The brand's historical identity as a premium coffee provider is being challenged as consumer preferences shift towards more affordable options [5][9]

Group 1 - Starbucks has launched a limited collaboration series inspired by Dunhuang murals, integrating ancient art aesthetics into modern life [1][3] - The collaboration includes a range of products such as mugs, thermos cups, tote bags, and a special membership gift set, all featuring designs inspired by Dunhuang's classic wall paintings [3][5] - The Dunhuang-themed store opened on September 23 at the Yiwang International Store, showcasing a blend of Dunhuang's cultural heritage and Starbucks' coffee experience [5][7] Group 2 - During the National Day holiday, the Dunhuang-themed store will offer a limited-time customized drink, enhancing the cultural experience with flavors reminiscent of Dunhuang's landscapes [7][8] - The store's design features modern interpretations of traditional Dunhuang elements, creating a unique space that reflects the harmony between ancient culture and contemporary lifestyle [5][6]

Core Insights - Starbucks China and Xiaohongshu have announced a deep collaboration to transform over 1,800 stores into themed "interest community spaces" focusing on pets, crafts, cycling, and running, indicating a strategic response to market competition pressures [1][4][19] Group 1: Collaboration Details - The partnership aims to create distinct offline social spaces catering to specific interest groups, with over 450 stores designated as pet-friendly, providing free "pawccino" treats and hosting events like pet parties [4][12] - More than 1,000 stores will offer craft-friendly spaces with experiences like unlocking craft blind boxes, while over 50 stores will provide running-friendly services such as free cup upgrades and hydration [4][12] - Cycling-friendly spaces will also be established in 50 stores, equipped with bike pumps and offering free water and limited-time cup upgrades [4][12] Group 2: Market Context - The collaboration comes as Starbucks faces declining market share in China, dropping from 42% in 2017 to 14% in 2024, largely due to competition from local brands like Luckin Coffee [19][23] - The shift in consumer behavior from a focus on the "third space" experience to a more functional, high-frequency consumption model has pressured Starbucks to redefine its market strategy [19][21] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The initiative reflects a broader trend where brands are increasingly leveraging community and interest-based marketing to build customer loyalty, as seen in other successful brands like Lululemon [25][26] - However, there are concerns that the collaboration may prioritize traffic generation over genuine community engagement, potentially leading to a perception of insincerity in the brand's efforts [38][44] - The effectiveness of this partnership will depend on Starbucks' ability to authentically connect with interest groups rather than merely using them as a marketing tool [44][52]

Core Insights - Deb Hall Lefevre, Starbucks' Chief Technology Officer, has resigned, and Ningyu Chen has been appointed as the interim CTO [1] - Lefevre's departure comes during a critical period for Starbucks as it implements its "Back to Starbucks" strategy, which focuses on enhancing store experience and operational efficiency through technology [6][10] Group 1: Leadership Changes - Deb Hall Lefevre has a rich background in technology management, having worked with major companies like Motorola and McDonald's, where she led significant digital transformations [2][3] - Lefevre joined Starbucks in May 2022, recruited by CEO Howard Schultz, and was instrumental in integrating technology with the company's mission [5] - Ningyu Chen, the new interim CTO, previously served as Senior Vice President of Global Experience Technology at Starbucks [1] Group 2: Strategic Context - The "Back to Starbucks" strategy aims to improve customer interaction and operational efficiency through technology, which will continue despite the leadership change [6][10] - Lefevre's resignation may be linked to organizational changes, including a shift in reporting structure that requires her to report to the new CFO, Cathy Smith [6][10] - The company is facing various challenges, including layoffs, cost-cutting measures, and declining performance, which may have contributed to the pressures on the CTO role [10][12] Group 3: Future Implications - Lefevre's exit leaves Starbucks with unfinished digital transformation goals, entering a phase of uncertainty regarding its technological direction [12] - There are suggestions that Starbucks may need a new technology leader to navigate emerging technologies and revitalize its strategy [11]