Part 9/11:
While Starbucks hasn't explicitly declared a move towards a premium strategy, signs point in that direction. The company is scaling back discounts, emphasizing higher-quality offerings, and focusing on higher-margin drinks. Early reports indicate the new cafes are performing better, with increased customer visits and longer stays.
Financially, Starbucks’ recent quarters show signs of stabilization: Q1 2025 saw smaller-than-expected declines in same-store sales, and customer satisfaction scores have risen. These are promising signs that the company’s turnaround efforts are starting to have an impact.