"80% of Stores to Operate Until 10 p.m."
Shortened Operating Hours at Some Locations Since COVID-19
Starbucks announced on May 11 that it will gradually extend the operating hours of a significant number of its stores to 10 p.m. by the middle of this month. This move is intended to normalize the operating hours of certain stores that were shortened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this extension, Starbucks expects that 80% of all its stores will operate until 10 p.m. Currently, about 50% of Starbucks stores are open until 10 p.m. Some stores, depending on their business district, close as early as 7 or 8 p.m.
Starbucks explained that it decided to extend store hours after noticing a significant increase in customers visiting late in the evening, following its recent "Good Evening Event." From April 23, when the event began, to May 6, sales of decaffeinated coffee more than doubled compared to the same period before the event, and sales of caffeine-free beverages also increased.
A Starbucks representative stated, "Customers have responded positively to expanded discounts on low-caffeine beverages in the afternoon, and it appears that more customers are spending leisure time at our cafes as the days grow longer." Starbucks is offering up to 50% discounts on a total of 20 beverages after 5 p.m., including 11 types of decaffeinated coffee and 9 caffeine-free drinks.
Hong Sungwook, Head of Operations Support at Starbucks Korea, said, "We are continuously introducing extended operating hours and related promotions to firmly establish our role as a third place where customers can always feel comfortable." He added, "As we enter the peak summer season and beverage demand increases, we will continue to strive to provide a comfortable store experience for our customers."
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