US-based coffeehouse chain Starbucks has opened its 20,000th overseas location in Greater Manchester, UK, according to reports by the Manchester Evening News.
The new venue is located at Elk Mill Shopping Park in Oldham and has a drive-through facility. This opening is part of the brand’s plan to open 100 new stores across the UK in 2023.
According to Reuters, the investment plan comes after the coffeehouse chain reported a 37% increase in UK sales last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Starbucks also plans to use the investment to renovate more than 1,000 outlets.
Starbucks is reportedly focusing on city and drive-through locations. Its investments are targeted at smaller stores with increased digital innovation.
The opening of the new location in Greater Manchester also coincides with its completion of 25 years in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.
Starbucks opened its first UK location in 1998 on Kings Road, London.
Starbucks UK general manager Alex Rayner said: “As we celebrate 25 years of contributions and leadership within UK coffee culture, we are proud to build on our coffee craft legacy by welcoming a new, permanent beverage to our menus and to continue realising our ambitious plans for growth.”
“We’ve seen huge revenue growth in both the UK and EMEA – in part down to new stores in the region, but also by innovating at pace to meet our customers where they're at – investing in digital channels, new store formats and expanding the Third Place as our customers’ expectations and habits evolve.”
