It seems that Starbucks has found competition in New York. The popular chain of Chinese origin Luckin Coffee has landed in the United States and seems to be a threat to the rest of the coffee chains, especially Starbucks. Originating in China, it has opened its first two locations in Greenwich Village and Chelsea.
CNBC published an analysis by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, which details that the brand has opted for a technological structure similar to that of on-demand transportation companies, which has allowed it to scale and position itself very well in the market.
It is not only characterized by the way it orders, but also by the wide variety of creative beverages and collaborations with other brands. Have you already tried their Moutai coffee?
Luckin Coffee
It is a Chinese coffee shop chain founded by Qian Zhiya in 2017. Despite its short life, it has already managed to position itself as one of the establishments that generates more competition to Starbucks in China. Based in Xiamen, it is characterized by its technological structure, with the use of mobile applications and fast deliveries. Its growth has also been due to the variety of products it offers, its originality and collaboration with other brands.
With more than 24,000 stores in China, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, it has decided that its next destination will be New York.
What makes Luckin Coffee so special?
have you ever been to Starbucks (or any other coffee shop chain), and have had to wait almost an eternity to get your order? Well, Luckin Coffee works in a way that you will not have to wait.
They proceed similarly to apps as Uber. You may think, request a car ride and order a coffee? What do they have in common? The same way you enquire for a ride service, choose the driver, the price and pay through the app.
Luckin Coffee works through an app where you can make your order and pay even before arriving to the place. Once there, you just have to pick it up. No waiting, no mile-long queues.
CBS News quoted in one of its publications a study by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, which states that Luckin has hit the nail on the head with the technological strategy it has chosen, and that it has been the one that has enabled it to obtain the good positioning it has.
Creativity in the menu
Luckin Coffee’s arrival in the United States was announced through its social media channels. A week before the opening, it published a post describing New York City as “Luckin” for its arrival.
The coffee shop chain has brought with it a variety of products to try to satisfy all palates. You can find more traditional beverages such as the marathon latte, or some more adventurous ones such as the “Fruity Americano”.
According to CNBC, in 2023 it raised $13.7 million in a single day, with the sale of 5.4 million cups of one of its most famous beverages, the Moutai coffee with liqueur.
The brand is not only betting on beverages, but also has products such as banana yogurt loa, chocolate cookies, or savory options such as croissants filled with sausage, egg and cheese. It aims to delight customers with original flavors and offer something different from the rest of the coffee chains.
Undoubtedly, the arrival of Luckin Coffee in the United States poses a serious threat to Starbucks and the other chains. Do you think we will see significant changes in order to stay at the top of the chart?
