Starbucks to expand delivery to over 2000 stores in US, China

Global coffee major Starbucks is expanding its delivery in over 2000 stores in the US, China.

The Seattle- based chain has partnered with Uber Eats to expand it delivery network.

In China, delivery will be offered from 2,000 stores in 30 cities by the end of this year, up from 150 stores at the end of September. Starbucks began working with its Chinese delivery partner, Ele.me, three months ago.

The coffee chain has made the statement at an investor presentation Thursday in New York.

In the US, its largest market, Starbucks says it still sees significant opportunities to expand and expects to open 550 new stores annually over the next few years.

Starbucks is also planning to close 150 underperforming stores in 2019.

In China, Starbucks plans to open 600 stores annually by 2022, bringing it to a total of 6,000 stores.

"Customer behaviors are shifting rapidly," shared Kevin Johnson, CEO, Starbucks to The Associated Press. "We must continue to adapt and adapt rapidly to meet our customers where they are,” he added.

Even as it's expanding delivery, Starbucks is continuing to try to improve its in-store experience and is planning to renovate one-third of its US stores this year to add equipment and redo delivery and mobile pickup areas.

The coffee chain is also opening a high-end Reserve Roastery in New York on today. The 23,000-square-foot store includes a bar with coffee- and tea-themed cocktails, Italian pastries and rare small-batch coffees roasted on site.