Starbucks Terminates AI Inventory Counting Program
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 21 2026
0mins
Source: Newsfilter
- Program Termination: Starbucks has terminated its worker-facing AI inventory counting program after nine months of deployment, indicating that the tool failed to effectively address product shortages, which negatively impacted sales performance.
- Technical Deficiencies: The automated counting tool frequently miscounted and mislabeled inventory items, such as confusing similar milk types, leading to inefficiencies in inventory management and failing to meet CEO Brian Niccol's expectations.
- Standardized Counting: Starbucks has opted to revert to traditional inventory counting methods to ensure consistency and execution across all coffeehouses, aiming to enhance overall operational efficiency.
- Supply Chain Improvements: The company stated it will focus on more frequent daily replenishments and ongoing supply chain enhancements to tackle product shortages and ensure customer satisfaction.
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Analyst Views on SBUX
Wall Street analysts forecast SBUX stock price to fall
21 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
7 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 100.750
Low
59.00
Averages
96.12
High
115.00
Current: 100.750
Low
59.00
Averages
96.12
High
115.00
About SBUX
Starbucks Corporations is a roaster, marketer, and retailer of specialty coffee globally. Its North America segment includes the United States and Canada. Its International segment includes China, Japan, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Its North America and International segments include both Company-operated and licensed stores. The Channel Development segment includes roasted whole bean and ground coffees, Starbucks-branded single-serve products, a variety of ready-to-drink beverages, such as Frappuccino and Starbucks Doubleshot, foodservice products, and other branded products sold outside the Company-operated and licensed stores. A large portion of its Channel Development business operates under a licensed model of the Global Coffee Alliance with Nestle, while its global ready-to-drink businesses operate under collaborative relationships with PepsiCo, Inc., Tingyi-Ashi Beverages Holding Co., Ltd., Arla Foods amba, Nestle, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- CEO's Turnaround Plan Validation: This traffic increase is seen as early proof of CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround agenda, which aims to balance demand throughout the day and reduce reliance on the morning rush crowd.
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- Sales Surge: Data indicates that sales after 11 AM are projected to reach $11 billion in fiscal year 2025, showcasing the untapped potential of the afternoon sales window for the company.
- Innovation Driving Sales: The Refreshers beverage line has become Starbucks' second-best-selling category after espresso, contributing to afternoon sales growth and highlighting the company's success in beverage innovation.
- Intensifying Market Competition: With competitors like Dutch Bros and Dunkin' ramping up their afternoon marketing efforts, Starbucks' strategy for this time frame becomes crucial, as TD Cowen analysts expect new menu items and digital boards to further enhance traffic growth.
See More
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- Strategic Turnaround Success: CEO Brian Niccol emphasizes that the afternoon period represents a key growth opportunity in the company's turnaround strategy, as Starbucks aims for more consistent traffic beyond the morning rush, with recent quarterly earnings exceeding expectations and shares up 21% year-to-date.
- Intensifying Competition: With rivals like Dutch Bros and Dunkin' launching new beverages for the afternoon window, TD Cowen analysts suggest that Starbucks must leverage menu innovation and digital marketing to attract more customers and maintain top-of-mind awareness during coffee breaks.
See More
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