Starbucks Sees Significant Afternoon Traffic Boost
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 48 minutes ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Strategic Daypart Growth: Starbucks (SBUX) reports a significant rise in customer traffic between 2:00 p.m. and early evening in U.S. stores, indicating a successful transformation of a previously slow daypart into a meaningful growth driver.
- 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.
- New Beverages Driving Traffic: Starbucks highlights its Refreshers platform and new energy-style beverages made with green coffee extract as key catalysts for pulling customers back into stores later in the day, with customizable caffeine levels providing more afternoon options.
- Menu Updates Enhance Spending: The afternoon menu shift includes an expanded lineup of bakery items and protein-forward snacks designed to boost average checks post-lunch, with updated in-store and digital menu boards spotlighting afternoon-friendly choices to enhance customer experience.
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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: 102.100
Low
59.00
Averages
96.12
High
115.00
Current: 102.100
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.
- Strategic Daypart Growth: Starbucks (SBUX) reports a significant rise in customer traffic between 2:00 p.m. and early evening in U.S. stores, indicating a successful transformation of a previously slow daypart into a meaningful growth driver.
- 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.
- New Beverages Driving Traffic: Starbucks highlights its Refreshers platform and new energy-style beverages made with green coffee extract as key catalysts for pulling customers back into stores later in the day, with customizable caffeine levels providing more afternoon options.
- Menu Updates Enhance Spending: The afternoon menu shift includes an expanded lineup of bakery items and protein-forward snacks designed to boost average checks post-lunch, with updated in-store and digital menu boards spotlighting afternoon-friendly choices to enhance customer experience.
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- Starbucks Recovery Signs: Starbucks is witnessing improved afternoon traffic, particularly between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., which management identifies as crucial for enhancing profitability; Jim Cramer recommends buying Starbucks shares, projecting a target price of $120, indicating a potential upside of about 17%.
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- Afternoon Traffic Growth: Starbucks reports a significant increase in customer visits after 2 PM, particularly between 3 PM and 5 PM, which injects confidence into the company's turnaround strategy as it seeks to drive consistent traffic beyond the morning rush.
- 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.
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- Afternoon Traffic Surge: Internal data from February 15 to May 16 indicates that Starbucks is experiencing rapid growth in customer visits after 2 p.m., particularly between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., highlighting the company's potential to attract repeat customers.
- Strong Beverage Sales: The Refreshers platform has become Starbucks' second-best-selling beverage category after espresso, driving sales growth during the afternoon and expected to enhance customer loyalty further.
- 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.
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