Starbucks strengthens Asia Pacific presence with first Laos outlet

Starbucks currently operates over 10,000 stores across its Asian markets | Photo credit: Starbucks

US coffee chain Starbucks has launched its first store in Laos in partnership with local franchisee Coffee Concepts Limited. 
 

Hong Kong-based Coffee Concepts Limited operates more than 900 franchised Starbucks stores in the Chinese administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, as well as across Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

The new Vientiane store marks Starbucks’ 17th market in the Asia Pacific region and its 84th market globally. 

Starbucks currently operates over 10,000 stores across its Asian markets and employs more than 149,000 staff. 

“We’re excited to reach this highly anticipated milestone of opening our first store in Laos. Having operated in Southeast Asia for more than 25 years, we are honoured to welcome our newest partners in Laos to join us in bringing the unparalleled Starbucks Experience to local customers through unique store designs, handcrafted beverages, thoughtful coffee experiences, and welcoming environments,” said Emmy Kan, President, Starbucks Asia Pacific. 

As part of growth plans to operate 45,000 stores globally by the end of 2025 and 55,000 by 2030, Starbucks is investing heavily in outlet expansion in the Asia Pacific region, where it hopes to reach 12,000 locations. 

The coffee chain reached its 500-store landmark in Indonesia in August 2022, the Seattle-based coffee chain's tenth largest market, and announced plans to open retail stores across Shell Philippines’ petrol station network over the next three years in the same month. 

Having reached 6,000 stores in China in September 2022, Starbucks is seeking to increase its store count in the country by 50% to reach 9,000 outlets by 2025. Meanwhile its franchise partner Berjaya Food expects to operate 400 Starbucks stores across Malaysia by June 2023.