As same-store sales come under pressure and competition intensifies, Starbucks (SBUX.US) China will implement "purchase required to be seated" starting October 22.

Zhitong Finance APP has learned that Starbucks Corporation (SBUX.US) is requiring customers to make a purchase before they can be seated in its stores in China, one of its measures to revive performance in the highly competitive mainland market. Starbucks China said on Wednesday that the new seating policy will take effect nationwide from October 22, and stores will post notices to inform customers of the policy change.