3 6 Ke·2025-11-27 09:35Core Viewpoint - Starbucks has announced a strategic partnership with Boyu Capital to establish a joint venture for its retail operations in China, retaining 40% ownership while Boyu will hold 60% and manage major operational decisions. The plan includes expanding the current 8,000 stores to 20,000, indicating a shift towards lower-tier markets, which may lead to a decline in brand perception and customer base [1] Group 1: Market Position and Strategy - Starbucks aims to compete with lower-priced coffee brands like Luckin Coffee and Kudi, which have seen rapid growth and market share gains [3][4] - The partnership with Boyu Capital is seen as a move to penetrate deeper into the Chinese market, particularly targeting lower-tier cities [1][21] - Despite the expansion plans, Starbucks faces significant challenges in cost management compared to its competitors, making it difficult to compete on price [9][7] Group 2: Financial Performance - Starbucks China reported a 14% decline in net revenue for the fiscal year 2022, with same-store sales dropping 23% and transaction volume down 20% [6] - In Q4 of fiscal year 2023, same-store sales further declined by 16%, indicating ongoing struggles in the market [6] - The company has initiated a price reduction strategy for the first time in 25 years, but this has not significantly improved its competitive position against lower-cost rivals [6][22] Group 3: Product Innovation and Consumer Preferences - Starbucks has lagged behind competitors like Luckin in product innovation, launching only 78 new products in its most prolific year compared to Luckin's over 100 [10][12] - The lack of popular new offerings has contributed to a decline in consumer interest, as younger consumers prioritize social value and innovative products [13][14] - The traditional approach of Starbucks contrasts sharply with the data-driven, rapid iteration model employed by Luckin, which has successfully created popular products that resonate with consumers [12][19] Group 4: Operational Challenges - Starbucks' operational costs are significantly higher than those of its competitors, with raw material costs at 26% and total costs exceeding 26 yuan per cup, compared to competitors' costs around 9-10 yuan [8][7] - The company's attempt to introduce smaller, more cost-effective store formats has not yielded the expected results, as operational costs remain high and consumer engagement has declined [21][22] - The challenge lies in balancing the brand's premium image with the need to appeal to price-sensitive consumers in lower-tier markets [19][21]