Starbucks has responded to the decline in foot traffic amid the surge in mobile ordering by investing over $100 million to remodel about 1,000 stores across North America into a “Community Lounge” format. The strategy aims to strengthen the sense of community and camaraderie that customers feel at cafés while expanding store sales.
The remodeling process will replace existing small tables and cramped décor with larger, more spacious layouts. The Community Lounge will provide an environment encouraging customers to stay longer, featuring comfortable lounge chairs, mini TVs, and dynamic music. Inside the stores, standard furnishings and friendly designs are introduced to enhance brand image while also creating a vibe that contributes to local communities.
A Starbucks spokesperson said the change would play an important role in revitalizing stores and improving profitability when combined with mobile ordering, expecting completion by end of 2025. This investment is viewed as a strategic move to keep Starbucks competitive in North American market.