Starbucks’ same-store sales jump on traffic gains

Starbucks’ U.S. market saw comps grow 9 percent year over year during the fourth quarter, the chain announced Thursday.

Same-store sales rose as result of climbing traffic, the coffee giant said, which increased 4 percent in its Americas region, a segment that includes the U.S.

Net revenues for the Americas increased 11 percent from the year-ago quarter, to $3.4 billion, partially driven by incremental incomes from new unit openings. 

“Our results underscore the success of the investments we continue to make in our people and business, in new beverage and food innovation and in groundbreaking technology innovation that is deepening our connection to customers everywhere,” CEO Howard Schultz in a statement.

During Q4, Starbucks continued its growing tech investment, completing the nationwide rollout of its Mobile Order & Pay platform and launching a long-awaited delivery pilot in the Empire State Building. 

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