
What is Lucking Coffee? Chinese Starbucks competitor opens first stores in THIS US state, offers affordable beverages
Starbucks faces intense competition in China, its second-largest market after the United States, where consumers are becoming more frugal with their spending. Domestic competitors like Luckin Coffee, which draws clients with cashierless locations and cups as cheap as 8.8 to 9.9 yuan ($1.23 to $1.38), pose serious threats to Starbucks.
Currently, Luckin Coffee is flourishing in the United States, launching two stores in Manhattan, New York City.
According to the brand's Instagram page, the company offered complimentary tote bags to the first 100 clients as part of special promotions to commemorate the launch of the stores on Monday.
While Luckin Coffee's U.S. opening day is over, New Yorkers can still look forward to a unique treat at the two locations: drinks that cost $1.99. A person can download and order drinks through the Luckin Coffee app in order to take advantage of the offer on the first beverage order.
Like Starbucks, Luckin Coffee serves a variety of beverages in addition to hot or iced coffee, such as frappes, matcha, specialty lattes, and refreshers. The company also sells cold brew in a variety of flavors, including pineapple, blood orange, coconut, and raspberry.
Also Read: McDonald's expands menu with new burger to its menu; What it is, price and where you can get What is Lucking Coffee?
With more than 22,000 outlets since its establishment in 2017, Luckin Coffee has emerged as one of China's fastest-growing coffee businesses. Singapore is home to its stores as well.
The chain's mobile app allows its locations in China to function without cashiers, enabling customers to order their drinks by paying online. This isn't the case with the new Manhattan outlets, though, as cashless establishments aren't allowed in NYC till 2020.
According to Luckin, their coffee beans are sourced directly from the best coffee-producing locations, and the coffee is chosen from over 180 blending formulas that closely fit consumer preferences.
Starbucks participated in the most recent battle in China over low rates for coffee earlier this month. The company announced that it would make dozens of its products, including non-coffee drinks like the Frappuccino, more "accessible" in a post on its Weixin social media account. Prices for some drinks will start at just 23 yuan ($3.21). Starbucks alters menu for the summer
Starbucks recently revealed some modifications to its summer menu in the United States. The Strawberry Matcha, Brown Sugar, and Salted Caramel Mocha are new frappuccinos that will be available in stores in July, with a layer of cold foam on top.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Millions of Americans affected: IRS unveils 2025 rule that could slash or boost your take-home pay
IRS 2025 tax withholding changes Forms stay the same — W-2s, 1099s, Form 941, and other payroll return documents will remain unchanged. — W-2s, 1099s, Form 941, and other payroll return documents will remain unchanged. No new withholding tables — The federal income tax brackets and calculations used by employers will not be updated for 2025. — The federal income tax brackets and calculations used by employers will not be updated for 2025. Employers stick to current rules — Payroll teams will keep using the same processes they've been using. Live Events What is changing for paychecks in 2026? Updated income reporting for tips and overtime pay Adjusted withholding tables Revised payroll compliance rules for employers Child tax credit increase in 2025 Pre-2017: $1,000 per child TCJA (2017–2024): $2,000 per child OBBBA (2025): $2,200 per child How Trump's tax plan affects your wallet No federal tax on tips Protecting Social Security and Medicare Slashing energy costs by boosting domestic oil production ('Drill baby Drill') Ending the electric vehicle mandate on day one Imposing tariffs on Iran and ramping pressure on China Ending the war in Ukraine Restoring 'safe, clean and beautiful' cities Which states are offering extra tax credits? How New York's new $1,000 child tax credit works Who qualifies for New York's expanded tax credit? Which other states offer a child tax credit? Arizona California Colorado Idaho Illinois Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota New Jersey New Mexico New York Oklahoma Oregon Utah Vermont Federal Child Tax Credit requirements for 2025 Age : Child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year. : Child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year. Relationship : Must be your child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant of one of these. : Must be your child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant of one of these. Citizenship : Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident. : Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident. Residency : Child must live with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply for certain custody arrangements). : Child must live with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply for certain custody arrangements). Dependent status : Child must be claimed as a dependent. : Child must be claimed as a dependent. Financial support : Child must not provide more than half of their own support. : Child must not provide more than half of their own support. Filing status: Child cannot file a joint return, except in limited refund-only cases. Other New York budget benefits families should know about $2.2 billion for expanded child care access statewide. statewide. $2 billion in 'Inflation Refund' checks — up to $400 for over 8 million New Yorkers. — up to $400 for over 8 million New Yorkers. $340 million for free breakfast and lunch for every K–12 student, saving families an estimated $1,600 per child annually. for every K–12 student, saving families an estimated $1,600 per child annually. $1 billion in tax cuts for middle- and lower-income residents, bringing tax rates to their lowest in nearly 70 years. What taxpayers should do before the next tax season Review your current withholding to avoid unexpected tax bills. Track all overtime, tips, and bonuses in 2025 to simplify reporting in 2026. Adjust your budget to account for possible utility bill increases. FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel If you've been wondering whether your paycheck will look different in 2025, the IRS has finally given an answer — and for millions of Americans, it's a mix of relief, anticipation, and a little a Thursday announcement, the Internal Revenue Service confirmed that, for this year, most workers won't see sudden changes in how their pay is taxed — but big adjustments are coming in 2026. The update follows President Donald Trump's signing of the sweeping One Big, Beautiful Bill Act on July 4, 2025, a tax package he's called 'the most patriotic tax cut in history.'For the 2025 tax year (covering income earned from January 1 to December 31), nothing major shifts in how your employer calculates withholding or reports IRS says:Officials say this delay will help avoid confusion during tax season and give businesses, payroll providers, and accountants time to prepare for the larger 2026 IRS is already preparing new forms, guidance, and withholding updates for the 2026 tax changes will include:This could have a noticeable impact on industries like hospitality, retail, and services, where tipping and variable hours are agency says it will coordinate closely with employers and payroll providers to ensure a 'smooth transition' and plans to release step-by-step taxpayer guidance later this though payroll changes are postponed, the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act introduces a higher child tax credit starting in credit will be indexed to inflation beginning in 2026. The refundable portion is $1,400, meaning qualifying families can receive part of the credit even if they owe no federal tax. Both the child and parents must have valid, work-eligible Social Security tax package ties directly to Trump's second-term economic agenda, which he reiterated at the Republican National Convention on July 18. His promises included:Whether these promises will translate into sustained paycheck growth will depend on how the IRS implements the more complex 2026 changes — and how households balance immediate benefits like the expanded child credit against any indirect costs, such as energy price to score new $1,000 tax credit in move to 'put money back in pockets' – see if you're owed the cash. Families in one state are about to see their child tax credit jump — with payouts up to $1,000 per child — as part of a sweeping budget plan aimed at easing costs for working York is set to dramatically expand its state-level child tax credit, giving eligible families aFamilies with children agedwill receive. Previously, the maximum credit was just $330 per child, meaning this change effectively doubles the benefit for many expansion, part of the newly approved state budget, was announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, who said the move is about 'putting money back in pockets' while keeping the budget fiscally updated state credit will be available to parents and guardians with dependent children, with eligibility tied to income levels similar to the federal Child Tax Credit. The aim is to boost support forwho are feeling the pinch from rising living will be, meaning families can receive the credit even if their state income tax bill is addition to New York,These state credits are separate from the, which is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under qualify for the federal Child Tax Credit this year, you must meet these criteria:Governor Hochul'sbudget for the 2026 fiscal year includes several initiatives beyond the expanded child tax credit:While federal policy changes dominate the headlines, some states are adding their own tax experts recommend taking steps now to prepare for the upcoming changes:The IRS will release more details on how to claim the new benefits later this year, but the big shifts in paycheck calculations are still a year an IRS decision to keep 2025 paycheck tax rules the same before bigger changes arrive in $2,200 per child, with $1,400 refundable for qualifying families.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Business Standard
Gaza boycotts batter American fast-food chains in Malaysia, Indonesia
In Malaysia and Indonesia, some of the biggest names in fast food — Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut, and McDonald's — are still struggling to recover from the financial hit caused by boycotts sparked by the war in Gaza, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Steep sales drops for US fast food chains in Malaysia In Malaysia, Starbucks operator Berjaya Food reported an 18 per cent year-on-year revenue drop in early 2024, with net losses widening to 37.2 million ringgit (US $9 million). Its share price has fallen another 15 per cent this year. The chain has leaned on heavy localisation efforts — drinks curated by Malaysian baristas, locally designed merchandise, and menu items by a popular local chef — but store managers expect the total number of outlets to shrink from 350 to under 300 by 2026. QSR Brands, which runs KFC and Pizza Hut, swung from a pre-tax profit of 49.6 million ringgit in 2023 to a 66.2 million ringgit loss in 2024. It has cut prices, pizzas as low as 5 ringgit, stressed its halal credentials, and hired more local staff to appeal to customers. Turnaround for Pizza Hut, Starbucks slows expansion in Indonesia In Indonesia, Pizza Hut operator Sarimelati Kencana posted a turnaround, recording a 15.6 billion rupiah profit in early 2025 after a loss a year earlier, thanks to new cheese-heavy menu items, digital marketing, and tighter cost control. Fast Food Indonesia, which runs KFC, reduced its losses from 384.8 billion rupiah to 138.7 billion rupiah but sold a 15 per cent stake in a poultry supplier to raise funds. Meanwhile, Starbucks licensee Map Boga Adiperkasa has slowed expansion from 70–80 new stores annually to just 10–15, after reporting an 80 billion rupiah loss in the first half of 2025. Boycott movement steps from Israel's war in Gaza The ongoing boycott movement traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, triggering a large-scale Israeli military retaliation in Gaza. The conflict, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis, has prompted widespread outrage globally. The United States has also faced public backlash for backing Israel militarily and politically despite the scale of civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza. Boycotts quickly spread across West Asia and Asia, targeting Western brands perceived to have ties to Israel or its supporters. According to a Time magazine report from February, McDonald's and Starbucks outlets in Jordan now stand nearly empty, while supermarkets display boycott signs over Coca-Cola and Pepsi. In Egypt, McDonald's, Starbucks, and KFC outlets have also seen steep sales declines, with some locations nearly deserted during peak hours. Boycott sparks violent brand backlash In April, violent attacks on KFC outlets in Pakistan — linked to ongoing boycotts of Western brands over US support for Israel's war in Gaza — were reported by the New York Post. Police said at least 178 people were arrested in connection with a dozen incidents in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, in which protesters armed with sticks and iron rods smashed windows and, in some cases, set restaurants on fire. Some companies have attempted damage control. Time reported that McDonald's is buying back its Israeli restaurants after a deal with its franchisee, Alonyal, and that Coca-Cola franchises have issued defensive ads — but these efforts have failed to quell public anger. Local brands step up to fill the gap Meanwhile, local brands like Jordan's Matrix Cola and Saudi Arabia's Kinza have stepped into the gap. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Chat Cola, a Palestinian-made soft drink, has surged in popularity as part of a boycott against Coca-Cola and other American brands seen as supportive of Israel during the Gaza war, the Associated Press reported earlier this year. Another drink, Cola Gaza — a Palestinian-branded product packaged in Coke-like cans featuring Palestinian symbols — entered the UK market in 2025, joining Sweden-based Palestine Drinks, which has sold 16 million cans in five months, donating proceeds to Palestinian civil projects, Time reported. Company representatives say the aim is less about selling soda and more about promoting the Palestinian cause and drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.


Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
New York attorney general sues payment app Zelle, lawsuit comes just months after Trump administration dropped similar case
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Early Warning Services , the parent company of the Zelle payment platform, accusing it of failing to protect users from widespread fraud. The move comes months after the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) dropped a similar case amid disruptions following a change in federal administration. James, a Democrat, alleges in the New York state court filing that Early Warning Services, owned by a consortium of U.S. banks, neglected to incorporate essential safety features into Zelle's design, leaving users vulnerable to scams. The lawsuit claims Zelle's lack of robust verification processes allowed scammers to access accounts or deceive users into sending money to fraudulent accounts posing as legitimate businesses. 'No one should be left to fend for themselves after falling victim to a scam,' James said in a statement, as reported by news agency AP. 'I look forward to getting justice for the New Yorkers who suffered because of Zelle's security failures.' The suit cites a case in which a Zelle user received a call from someone posing as a Con Edison employee, claiming the user's electricity would be cut off unless $1,500 was sent via Zelle to an account labeled 'Coned Billing.' After transferring the money, the user discovered the scam but was told by their bank the funds could not be recovered, according to James' office. The lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about the security of peer-to-peer payment platforms like Zelle, which enables near-instant money transfers but has been criticized for inadequate fraud protections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Prices May Surprise You) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo What Zelle on New York Attorney General's lawsuit Zelle, through a spokesperson, dismissed the lawsuit as 'a political stunt to generate press, not progress.' The company argued that James should focus on 'stopping criminal activity and adherence to the law' rather than pursuing 'meritless claims.' Why federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau dropped its case against Zelle The CFPB had initiated a similar case earlier this year but abandoned it after President Donald Trump dismissed the agency's leadership and curtailed its operations, closing its headquarters and laying off staff, James' office noted. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now