Starbucks hails “good progress” in bid to open 100 new UK stores

Starbucks has said it has made “good progress” in its ambitions to open 100 new UK stores over the course of the year.

The coffee giant also said it has maintained “strong, double-digit growth” in the UK, despite economic pressures on consumer spending power amid the cost-of-living crisis.

This comes as the chain opens its latest drive-through site at Elk Mill Shopping Park in Oldham, and its 20,000th store outside of the United States.

Starbucks’ drive-through business makes up a quarter of all its UK shops.

In March, the chain said it had ambitions to open 100 stores in the UK this year, with a particular focus on city centres and drive-through locations.

It is also looking to open a further 300 across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Last year, it was reported that Starbucks was considering the sale of its UK business amid competition from rival chains, according to The Times.

However Alex Rayner, vice president and general manager at Starbucks UK, said the company is “fully invested in the UK giving back to the local communities” it serves.