Starbucks

Starbucks opened two cafés in Urumqi, one at the Grand Bazaar and one at the international airport. U.S. Republican John Moolenaar called for the closure of the outlets over the repression of the Uyghurs and described the opening as "morally bankrupt." The opening comes against a backdrop in which Starbucks sold 60 percent of its China business to Boyu Capital, and companies face political pressure over Xinjiang both in the U.S. and in China. » Więcej na finanzen.net

Starbucks relaunched the Unicorn Frappuccino at Coachella and for a global weekend, selling about 2 million drinks and using the stunt to boost brand awareness without discounting. CEO Brian Niccol is pairing product-led viral moments with paid employee-generated content pilots and broader marketing shifts as part of a turnaround that has delivered four consecutive quarters of positive global comparable sales and recent margin expansion. The company spends just over 2% of sales on marketing and tracks product trials, rewards engagement and frequency to measure whether cultural buzz converts into sustained traffic and sales. » Więcej na cnbc.com

Starbucks has opened two stores in Ürümqi, one at the Grand Bazaar and one at the airport, featuring Uyghur decor and regional products. The expansion has prompted heavy criticism in Washington; a US select committee called the move “shocking and morally reprehensible” and demanded closures because of the documented repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Starbucks’ China business is majority operated by Boyu Capital; Starbucks licenses the brand to the joint venture, which facilitates the operational expansion in China. » Więcej na faz.net