A Starbucks coffee store in Xujiahui, Shanghai Photo: IC

As Shanghai accelerates pace of work and production resumption, Starbucks has ramped up its shop openings to more than 70 over the past week, the company told the Global Times on Monday.

According to a statement by Starbucks, a total number of 72 stores in 15 districts including Pudong New Area, Putuo, Songjiang and Hongkou have reopened in accordance with local epidemic prevention and control protocols.

At present, stores that have resumed work are operating online, and customers can order their favorite coffee drinks through Starbucks App and online delivery platforms like Eleme and Meituan.

In the coming days, store operation including dine-in services, will be timely adjusted according to local epidemic situation, the company said.

Shanghai is often viewed as China's "coffee capital", and the resumption of coffee shops is one of the important signals for the city to recover its vigor. 

One patron surnamed Wu, who lives on Xujiahui Street, said that when she learned that Starbucks was back in business, everyone in her community rushed to place orders. "I felt that we were not far from returning to normal life when I sipped Starbucks that I had longed for," she said.

According to statistics, the classic Latte, Caramel Macchiato and Fruity White were the top three most popular drinks among Shanghai residents upon Starbucks locations reopening. 

"The coronavirus drove the city to hit the pause button. Returning to the familiar store and reconnecting with the customers through a cup of coffee is a very beautiful thing in itself," said Sheng Li, a Starbucks store manager in Huaihai Xilu.

Since early March, Starbucks has provided more than 20,000 coffees and 100,000 cans of coffee to volunteers and epidemic prevention workers in Shanghai. 

Global Times