Core Viewpoint - Luckin Coffee has officially entered the U.S. market by opening its first two stores in Manhattan, New York, indicating its ambition to expand internationally and tap into the lucrative American coffee market [3][4]. Group 1: Market Entry - Luckin Coffee has opened its first two stores at 755 Broadway and 800 Sixth Avenue in Manhattan, with drink prices ranging from $3.45 to $7.95 [3][4]. - The location of the stores is strategic, with one near New York University, targeting a large population of international students, particularly Chinese students [3]. - The second store is located close to the Empire State Building and major department stores, attracting a high volume of tourists and consumers [4]. Group 2: Market Potential - The U.S. coffee market is projected to reach $28 billion in 2024 and grow to $39.2 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.69% from 2025 to 2033 [5]. - Entering the U.S. market allows Luckin to access a large consumer base and explore new growth opportunities, especially in a market with established coffee culture [9]. Group 3: Strategic Considerations - The rapid development of the coffee market in China has led to intense competition, prompting companies like Luckin to seek new markets abroad [7]. - The choice to open in New York symbolizes Luckin's commitment to establishing its brand in a key cultural and economic center, enhancing its international visibility [9]. - Success in New York could pave the way for further expansion across the U.S. and globally [9]. Group 4: Challenges - Luckin faces significant competition from established brands like Starbucks, which dominate the U.S. market [11]. - The company's previous low-price strategy may not be viable in the U.S. due to higher operational costs, necessitating a tailored approach to the American market [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent opening of two Luckin Coffee stores in New York, coinciding with news of potential ownership changes in Starbucks' China operations, highlighting the competitive dynamics between the two coffee brands in the U.S. market. Group 1: Luckin Coffee's U.S. Expansion - Luckin Coffee opened its first two stores in New York City on June 30, located at 755 Broadway and 800 Sixth Avenue [1] - The pricing of Luckin's beverages ranges from $3.45 (approximately 24.7 RMB) to $7.95 (approximately 57 RMB), with specific drinks like American coffee priced at $4.45 (approximately 31.9 RMB) and lattes at $5.75 (approximately 41.2 RMB) [1] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The prices of Luckin's drinks in the U.S. are generally higher than in China but comparable to Starbucks' pricing, with Starbucks' large American coffee priced at $4.65 and large latte at $5.65 [2] - Starbucks China recently announced a price reduction for several products, marking the first time in 25 years it has lowered prices, with an average price drop of about 5 RMB [2] - Luckin Coffee's CEO, Guo Jinyi, emphasized the importance of the U.S. market in Luckin's global strategy, noting its status as the largest coffee consumption market with a rich coffee culture [2] - Analysts view Luckin's rapid expansion as a significant threat to Starbucks, especially given that Luckin has surpassed Starbucks in the number of stores in China despite entering the market nearly 20 years later [2]