Starbucks reported record sales days during November 2025 due to holiday promotions and seasonal product launches, reported The Wall Street Journal.

“The world’s largest coffee chain reported growth in same-store sales across its regions in the three months ended December 28. In the U.S., more customers placing orders helped same-store sales increase 4%, the strongest showing since late 2023,” the Journal wrote in another article. “Chief Executive Brian Niccol said his strategies to improve the Seattle-based company’s business are working and are running ahead of schedule as customer frequency improves. Revenue increased 6% to $9.9 billion, a bigger jump than analysts had forecast.”

During the quarter, Starbucks’s visits surged after introducing holiday beverages, holding its annual Red Cup Day promotion and releasing a “Bearista” cup, according to Placer.ai, with growth in customer traffic moderated in December.

This year, Starbucks is reportedly projecting global same-store sales and revenue growth of at least 3%. The QSR also said it aims to increase its total cafe count by between 600 and 650.

CEO Niccol is around 16 months into his work to turn around the coffee giant from a sales slump. “Niccol has pledged to speed up service, filling both in-store and drive-through orders within four minutes. Starbucks said it has installed new technology to better sequence orders, and the company is testing ways for customers to place orders for a scheduled pickup time,” the Journal wrote.

In early 2025, the CEO spearheaded changes to overhaul the business and improve the brand’s perception with consumers. Niccol was working on fixing ineffective mobile ordering systems is his biggest challenge for turning around Starbucks in the United States.

“Striking unpopular menu items and addressing customer wait times are also among the top things he is tackling inside U.S. cafes. He said restoring basic offerings like condiment bars is also critical,” wrote the Journal at the time.