Story perspectives

Luckin Coffee Opens 30,000th Store, Embraces Premium Shift

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Luckin Coffee opened its 30,000th store, the first Origin Flagship, in Shenzhen.
The two-story venue emphasizes premium coffee, with specialty drinks and beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Yunnan.
The flagship marks a shift from Luckin's budget focus to a more upscale approach.
It adheres to LEED Platinum standards, reinforcing sustainability commitments.
The opening event featured diplomatic representatives and underscored plans to integrate global supply chains and grow coffee culture.

History

Historical Context

Starbucks' aggressive expansion in China, opening over 600 stores in 2018, coincided with the rise of Luckin Coffee, which launched its first stores in January 2018 and quickly grew to 1,300 locations by October. This rapid growth reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards premium coffee, emphasizing quality and sustainability, as seen in Luckin's adherence to LEED Platinum standards.

1 of 2

Story summary

Luckin Coffee opened its 30,000th store, the first Origin Flagship, in Shenzhen.
The two-story venue emphasizes premium coffee, with specialty drinks and beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Yunnan.
The flagship marks a shift from Luckin's budget focus to a more upscale approach.
It adheres to LEED Platinum standards, reinforcing sustainability commitments.
The opening event featured diplomatic representatives and underscored plans to integrate global supply chains and grow coffee culture.

1 / 2