Core Insights - A recent social media post by a part-time Starbucks employee claimed that they were pressured to purchase 15 boxes of mooncakes, totaling nearly 3000 yuan, leading to financial strain [1] - The post sparked significant online discussion, with additional comments revealing that some store managers set sales targets for employees, forcing many to buy products out of pocket [1] - Even part-time positions reportedly have sales targets related to mooncake sales [1] Company Response - On September 12, a reporter contacted Starbucks customer service, which stated that they would verify the claims made in the post and emphasized that employees are not allowed to engage in such practices [2] - The customer service representative highlighted that Starbucks mooncakes are popular due to their flavors and designs, and encouraged customers to purchase through official channels to protect consumer rights [2] Market Activity - A search for "Starbucks mooncakes" on second-hand trading platforms revealed numerous sellers offering mooncake gift boxes at discounts of up to 50% or more, with sales primarily in the form of self-pickup and nationwide delivery vouchers [2] - For example, a mooncake gift box originally priced at 358 yuan is currently being sold for around 150 yuan on the second-hand market [2]

Core Viewpoint - Recent reports indicate that Starbucks employees are facing pressure to purchase mooncakes out of pocket due to unmet sales targets, leading to financial strain for some workers [1][3]. Group 1: Employee Experiences - Multiple employees claiming to work for Starbucks have reported being forced to buy mooncakes to meet sales quotas, with one part-time employee stating they had to cover the cost of 15 boxes, totaling nearly 3000 yuan [1][2]. - A seller on a second-hand trading platform mentioned that they are selling Starbucks mooncakes at a loss to recover some costs, indicating that they have already spent over 1000 yuan on mooncakes to meet their sales target [3]. - Another employee noted that the sales pressure varies by location, with some facing more stringent targets than others, leading to different pricing strategies on resale platforms [4]. Group 2: Company Response and Financial Performance - Starbucks China has stated that they are verifying the claims made by employees and emphasized that self-purchasing to meet sales targets is not permitted [4]. - The company reported a 4% increase in consolidated net revenue to $9.5 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, with international business net income rising by 9% to $2 billion [6]. - In the Chinese market, revenue reached $790 million, an 8% year-over-year increase, although same-store sales rose by only 2% and average transaction prices fell by 4% [6].

Group 1 - The core issue involves allegations from a part-time employee claiming they were pressured to purchase mooncakes, totaling 15 boxes and nearly 3000 yuan, due to sales targets [1] - Starbucks China has stated that it will verify the claims made by the employee and emphasized that the practice of self-purchasing to meet sales targets is not allowed [1] - The company highlighted that its mooncakes are popular due to unique flavors and designs, and encouraged customers to purchase from official channels to protect their consumer rights [1]

Core Viewpoint - Recent reports from self-identified Starbucks employees on social media indicate significant pressure related to the sale of mooncakes, with some employees reportedly purchasing mooncakes out of pocket due to sales targets [1] Group 1: Employee Experiences - Multiple employees from regions such as Hunan, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu have shared experiences of being pressured to meet sales targets, with one claiming to have purchased 15 boxes of mooncakes, totaling nearly 3000 yuan, which strained their living expenses [1] - Another employee, who recently joined the company, reported being required to sell 20 sets of mooncakes and faced criticism for not meeting the target, leading to personal financial losses [1] Group 2: Company Response - Starbucks China has stated that they are verifying the claims made by the employees and emphasized that the company does not permit employees to purchase products out of pocket as it is a matter of principle [1] - The company urged customers to purchase mooncakes through official channels to protect their rights, highlighting the popularity of their mooncakes each year [1]

Core Viewpoint - Reports indicate that several employees claiming to be from Starbucks have stated they were forced to purchase products out of pocket due to unmet sales targets for mooncakes, with part-time employees reportedly spending nearly 3000 yuan and full-time employees facing higher sales pressure and penalties [1] Group 1 - Starbucks is currently verifying the claims made by employees regarding the out-of-pocket purchases [1] - The company emphasizes that it does not permit employees to make such purchases as it is a matter of principle [1] - The unique flavors and designs of Starbucks' mooncakes have garnered significant customer interest each year upon release [1]

Core Insights - Recent reports indicate that Starbucks employees are facing pressure to purchase mooncakes due to unmet sales targets, with some part-time employees reportedly spending nearly 3000 yuan out of pocket [2][3] - The company is considering selling its China operations, with over 20 institutions expressing interest, and plans to retain a significant equity stake [4] - Starbucks' Q3 2025 financial results show a 4% increase in consolidated net revenue to $9.5 billion, despite a 2% decline in same-store sales globally [4][5] Group 1: Employee Sales Pressure - Multiple employees claim they are being forced to buy mooncakes to meet sales quotas, with one part-time employee stating they had to purchase 15 boxes, costing nearly 3000 yuan [2][3] - Full-time employees also report high sales pressure, with one stating they had to buy 5 boxes at a cost exceeding 1000 yuan, facing penalties for not meeting targets [3] - The company has denied knowledge of such practices, emphasizing that employees should not be required to purchase products themselves [3] Group 2: Business Operations and Financial Performance - Starbucks is exploring the sale of its China business, with potential buyers including Hillhouse Capital, Carlyle Group, EQT, and Sequoia China, and negotiations are in the final stages [4] - The estimated valuation for Starbucks' China operations ranges from $5 billion to $6 billion [4] - In Q3 2025, Starbucks reported a revenue of $7.9 billion in China, an 8% year-over-year increase, with a 2% rise in same-store sales [5]