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Starbucks Shifts Focus to Staffing Over Automation in Turnaround Effort

CEO Brian Niccol emphasizes a labor-focused strategy as Q2 2025 results show modest revenue growth but continued profit and sales declines.

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Overview

  • Starbucks reported Q2 revenue of $8.8 billion, a 3% year-over-year increase, but net income dropped 50% to $384 million, with global same-store sales declining 1%.
  • CEO Brian Niccol highlighted progress in the 'Back to Starbucks' turnaround plan, despite financial results not yet reflecting its impact.
  • The company is pausing broad automation rollouts, including its Siren system, and plans to increase staffing at up to 3,000 U.S. stores by year-end.
  • Economic pressures, including U.S. tariffs on coffee imports, are contributing to rising costs and cautious consumer spending, affecting profitability.
  • Starbucks is focusing on enhancing customer experience with store redesigns, simplified menus, and operational changes like faster order fulfillment.