I saw it in Shenzhen last week. Luckin stores packed. Starbucks half empty.
What changed? Luckin cracked the code:
- $1 coffee via app (mass market domination)
- 30,000 stores in 8 years
- Now moving upmarket with premium flagships
Starbucks tried the opposite: premium pricing, Western playbook, slow expansion.
The Bigger Lesson
Speed wins in China. Western companies keep underestimating how fast Chinese competitors move. By the time you finish your market research, they've already opened 10,000 stores.
Topics:
Markets
China
Follow for More Charts
Thomas Derksen on LinkedIn
Weekly charts, on-the-ground insights from Shanghai, and the stories behind Asia's biggest business moves.
Connect on LinkedIn →Free Guide
The China Survival Guide for Western Businesses
Entity setup, WeChat strategy, hiring your first local team. 12+ years on the ground in Shanghai.
