Starbucks expansion plan in China unchange

Starbucks Corp, the world's biggest coffee-shop chain, announced it did not change its expansion plan in China though it put an end to 661 underperforming stores in the U.S. and Australia, according to sources.

Currently, China is the fourth largest market of Starbucks outside the U.S., following Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom, said Li Jing, Starbucks' public manager in Greater China.

The company runs 660 chains in China and expects to open at least 80 outlets in China this year, with a focus on second- and third-tier cities.

Earlier, the Seattle-based coffee giant announced its global plan to open about 2,150 outlets this year, of which 975 are outside the U.S.

China is one of the most important markets and projected to be the largest market for Starbucks outside the North American market in the future, said Wang Jinlong, Starbucks Greater China president, after its sales dropped in the U.S. market.

Starbucks raised its coffee prices by RMB 3 to 5 per cup. However, it has no plan to hike the prices this year despite the increasing operation costs.