Starbucks, the world’s largest coffee chain, has announced its plans to open 100 more stores in the UK this year, despite a relatively sluggish economic outlook. The decision was made after UK sales soared 37% last year, which is higher than pre-Covid levels, as shoppers return to the city and employees return to work in the office after the pandemic subsides.
To support this expansion plan, Starbucks has also committed to investing around £30 million in the UK this year. This will involve renovating existing branches among their 1,000 locations and opening new branches that will be smaller and have drive-thru facilities.
The coffee chain opened its first UK store in 1998 and, as of 2022, the company grossed UK revenue of £449.3 million ($539 million) in the 12 months to Oct. 2. Starbucks’ UK Managing Director, Alex Rayner, stated that this investment will help support the UK economy, create jobs, and continue to provide the unique Starbucks experience to customers across the country.