As of 2026, Starbucks operates approximately 39,542 stores worldwide, including company-operated and licensed locations. The United States remains the largest market with over 17,000 stores, while China has grown to over 7,000 stores, reflecting the brand's aggressive international expansion.
Starbucks Stores by the Numbers (2026)
- Total global stores: 39,542 (estimated, based on company filings and industry reports)
- Company-operated stores: ~21,500
- Licensed stores: ~18,000
- Countries present: 86
- Largest market: United States (17,200+ stores)
- Fastest-growing major market: China (7,100+ stores)
- Average new stores per year (2022-2026): ~2,500
Year-by-Year Global Store Count (2016–2026)
| Year | Total Stores (estimated) | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 25,085 | — |
| 2017 | 27,339 | +9.0% |
| 2018 | 29,324 | +7.3% |
| 2019 | 31,256 | +6.6% |
| 2020 | 32,660 | +4.5% |
| 2021 | 33,833 | +3.6% |
| 2022 | 34,948 | +3.3% |
| 2023 | 36,412 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | 37,800 | +3.8% |
| 2025 | 38,700 | +2.4% |
| 2026 | 39,542 | +2.2% |
Note: Figures for 2016–2024 are based on Starbucks annual reports and SEC filings. 2025–2026 are estimates based on reported store openings and closures.
Starbucks Store Count by Country (Top 10, 2026)
| Country | Estimated Stores | Share of Global Total |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 17,200 | 43.5% |
| China | 7,100 | 18.0% |
| Japan | 1,950 | 4.9% |
| Canada | 1,600 | 4.0% |
| South Korea | 1,400 | 3.5% |
| United Kingdom | 1,200 | 3.0% |
| Mexico | 900 | 2.3% |
| Germany | 750 | 1.9% |
| Taiwan | 600 | 1.5% |
| Thailand | 500 | 1.3% |
Country-level figures are estimates compiled from company reports, franchise disclosures, and industry databases such as Statista and World Coffee Portal. Actual numbers may vary.
Historical Growth
Starbucks has grown from a single Seattle store in 1971 to a global giant. The most rapid expansion occurred in the 1990s and 2000s, but growth has continued steadily in the 2020s. Between 2016 and 2026, the company added roughly 14,500 stores, a 58% increase. The pace slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) due to temporary closures and reduced foot traffic, but rebounded as drive-thru and digital orders expanded. China has been the primary growth engine, with store count more than doubling from 3,000 in 2018 to over 7,000 in 2026.
What Is Driving the Change
Several factors are fueling Starbucks' store growth:
- China expansion: Starbucks continues to open hundreds of stores annually in China, targeting smaller cities and leveraging local partnerships.
- Drive-thru and pickup formats: New store formats (Starbucks Pickup, drive-thru only) allow faster expansion with lower real estate costs.
- Licensing model: Licensed stores (airports, hotels, universities) account for a growing share, enabling entry into non-traditional locations.
- Digital and loyalty: The Starbucks Rewards program (over 75 million active members in the US) drives repeat visits, supporting store profitability.
- Premiumization: Reserve and Roastery stores create brand halo, while standard stores benefit from increased coffee consumption in emerging markets.
Methodology
Figures are drawn from Starbucks' annual 10-K filings, quarterly earnings reports, and investor presentations for years up to 2024. 2025–2026 estimates are based on announced store opening plans, historical growth rates, and industry analyses from sources like Statista, World Coffee Portal, and market research reports. Country-level data combines company disclosures with franchise network reports. All numbers are rounded and should be considered approximate. Statistics change over time; verify before citing.
Last updated: July 2026.
Key takeaways
- Starbucks operates approximately 39,542 stores globally in 2026, up from 25,085 in 2016.
- The United States accounts for 43.5% of all Starbucks stores, with over 17,200 locations.
- China is the second-largest market with 7,100 stores, having more than doubled since 2018.
- Licensed stores represent about 45% of the total, driving expansion in non-traditional venues.
- Growth has slowed to ~2.2% annually, but China and new store formats sustain expansion.
Frequently asked questions
How many Starbucks stores are there in the world in 2026?
As of 2026, Starbucks operates approximately 39,542 stores globally, including both company-operated and licensed locations.
Which country has the most Starbucks stores?
The United States has the most Starbucks stores, with an estimated 17,200 locations, representing 43.5% of the global total.
How many Starbucks stores are in China?
China has approximately 7,100 Starbucks stores in 2026, making it the second-largest market and the fastest-growing major market.
How many Starbucks stores are company-operated vs. licensed?
Roughly 21,500 stores are company-operated, while about 18,000 are licensed (including those in airports, hotels, and universities).
How fast is Starbucks growing?
Starbucks has added about 2,500 stores per year on average from 2022 to 2026, though growth has slowed to around 2.2% annually in 2026.
What is the smallest country with a Starbucks?
Starbucks operates in 86 countries. Among the smallest by area are Monaco, Malta, and Bahrain, each with a handful of stores.
