Starbucks China Sees 20% Same-Store Sales Growth for 7 Quarters

When investors track global coffee chains, one metric always stands out: same-store sales growth. It’s the clearest sign of whether customers are returning, spending more, and whether a brand is truly expanding—or just opening new locations. For Starbucks in China, that number has been unusually strong for years.

Starbucks China achieved over 20% comparable store sales growth for seven consecutive quarters, with Q2 2012 marking another period of exceptional performance. In that quarter alone, the region’s revenue rose 32% year-on-year, significantly outpacing the global average.

Strong Financials in China and Asia Pacific

On April 27, 2012, Starbucks released its Q2 fiscal 2012 results after market close. Global revenue grew 15% to $3.2 billion, and net income increased 18% to $309.9 million. The company also announced plans to open 1,000 new stores worldwide. Within the China/Asia Pacific segment, revenue jumped 32% to $174.6 million—well above the global growth rate. This revenue came from $117.5 million in company-operated stores and $57.1 million from licensed stores.

High Margins and Rapid Expansion

The operating margin in China/Asia Pacific reached 39.8%, a full 26.3 percentage points above the global average of 13.5%. Comparable store sales for the region as a whole grew 19%, compared to the global average of 8%. The area added 83 new stores during the quarter, bringing the total number of outlets in China and Asia Pacific to over 3,000 globally. By contrast, Starbucks opened 176 new stores worldwide in the same period.

Aggressive Growth Plans for Fiscal 2012

For the full fiscal year ending September 2012, Starbucks accelerated its expansion strategy in China and Asia Pacific. The company aimed to open approximately 400 new stores, with around two-thirds of them planned as franchises. Of those, roughly 200 new stores were earmarked specifically for China, reinforcing the country’s position as a core growth market.

Why These Numbers Matter

The consistent double-digit same-store sales growth reflects strong consumer loyalty, effective localization, and premium positioning in the Chinese market. With margins nearly triple the global average and aggressive unit growth, Starbucks’ leadership viewed China/Asia Pacific not just as a market, but as a long-term driver of profitability and brand expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did Starbucks China maintain over 20% same-store sales growth?

Starbucks China achieved over 20% comparable store sales growth for seven consecutive quarters, as reported through Q2 2012.

What was the revenue growth for Starbucks China in Q2 2012?

Starbucks China’s revenue grew 32% year-on-year in Q2 2012, reaching $174.6 million, which was significantly higher than the global revenue growth rate of 15%.

What was the operating margin for Starbucks in China/Asia Pacific during that quarter?

The operating margin in China/Asia Pacific was 39.8%, compared to the global average of 13.5%, highlighting much stronger profitability in the region.

How many new stores did Starbucks open globally and in China/Asia Pacific in Q2 2012?

Globally, Starbucks opened 176 new stores in Q2 2012. Within China/Asia Pacific, 83 new stores were opened, bringing the total in the region to over 3,000.

How many new stores did Starbucks plan to open in China/Asia Pacific for the full 2012 fiscal year?

Starbucks planned to open approximately 400 new stores in China/Asia Pacific for the fiscal year ending September 2012, with about two-thirds of them being franchises and around 200 specifically in China.

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