Is Luckin Coffee poised to take Starbucks by storm? Is it just this brand that should be concerned?

Introducing a disruptor in the coffee industry: Luckin Coffee. Traditionally, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and Dunkin' Donuts have reigned supreme. However, in 2025, Luckin Coffee, with its innovative approach, is challenging the status quo. After suffering through a financial scandal, Luckin has recovered to become China's leading coffee chain, surpassing Starbucks in both store count and daily sales. What comes next? It's headed for the American market soon. Luckin is revolutionizing the coffee-drinking experience in the modern era with its stylish stores, innovative menus, and mobile-first business model.

Image credit: Business Insider, 2024

How Social Media Platforms Like TikTok Contribute to the Success of Businesses

Luckin has exploded in popularity thanks to more than just their excellent coffee; it's also the clever storytelling they employ. Coconut lattes and cheese foam cold brews are just two of their unusual beverages that frequently become TikTok sensations. Video creators share their initial thoughts, taste tests, and comparisons to Starbucks, all while gushing over the convenience of the app-based ordering system for easy pickup. There has been an organic social buzz, and people are taking notice. Rather than seeing Luckin advertised on billboards or in newspapers, more and more Americans are hearing about it through viral videos. Similar to word-of-mouth, but with far more power.

Guidelines for Success: As You May Be Aware, A Pop Mart Side by Side

There has been a pattern like this before. Another Chinese behemoth that started a worldwide trend on TikTok is Pop Mart. From a niche product to a popular one, their mystery box toys were there in under two years. Why? Videos of product unboxings that gain international attention. Fan groups. Collaboratively appealing aesthetics. Instead of sitting on its hands and hoping that traditional retailers would catch up, Pop Mart jumped on the bandwagon and engaged consumers on platforms like Xiaohongshu and TikTok. They shattered conventional barriers to entry in just a year, launching flagship stores in major cities like London, Seoul, and Tokyo. Unlike traditional chains with rigid systems, Luckin Coffee's tech-driven, adaptable model is designed for expansion. It's a testament to the potential of digital discovery and viral marketing in the business world.

Additional Brands Ought to Take Notice

More than just a trend, social media has become a powerful force in business. Cirkul, a U.S. water bottle brand, experienced a surge in sales after TikTok users showcased its flavored cartridge system, demonstrating the platform's potential impact.

• The Australian wearable blanket Oodie made millions after going popular on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

• Major brands such as Nike and Dior have poured resources into influencer partnerships and platform-specific content.

In this lesson, what were the main points? You can do more than just advertise on social media sites; you can also shop, announce new products, and follow cultural trends.

Luckin's technological framework and company strategy: Designed with today's shoppers in mind

The in-store experience is what made Starbucks famous, whereas Luckin's model is based on people's online behavior.

• Only for placing orders; no in-app purchases: The Luckin app takes care of all orders, streamlining the process and collecting a ton of customer data.

• AI-driven pricing: Promotions can be adjusted in real-time according to consumer behavior and regional preferences.

• Pay attention to pickup and delivery services: These are perfect for city dwellers and others who are constantly on the move.

In conclusion, Luckin caters to the TikTok generation because it is simple, fast, and personalized.

AT RAFFLES JAKARTA

Rather than merely lecturing on the topic, Raffles provides its students with the resources they need to develop their unique brands. From fashion lines and lifestyle goods to tech-enabled services, the students in our programs create real products and brands. These endeavors are more than just concepts. We provide venues where students can showcase, pitch, and sell their work in an authentic, professional manner. Starting with local shows and progressing to international ones, our students go through the entire product development, branding, and marketing process. From major city concept stores to international fashion weeks, our worldwide Raffles network allows students to showcase their designs on grand stages all over the world.

Curiosity piqued? Some success stories, such as a student's fashion line that went from our local show to an international fashion week, are illustrated here. These are just a few examples of what our students can achieve at Raffles.

Click [Here] to read more about our Students' Success Stories

It doesn't end there, either. Our students will be the center of attention at upcoming events, such as our annual fashion show and industry networking events, where they will showcase their work to influential members of society, the press, and the industry. For additional information about these upcoming shows, be sure to visit the News & Events section of our website.

Anybody can pull it off, not just Luckin!

If a coffee brand can go from scandal to social media sensation in a few years and start taking on big companies around the world, what could you achieve with the right vision, platform, and support?

Get the answer at Raffles Jakarta.

Arman POUREISA

Marketing Manager

Business Management Lecturer

Raffles Jakarta

References

Business Insider. (2024, November). Here’s how Starbucks and Luckin stack up: Price, menu, and vibe. https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-starbucks-and-luckin-stack-up-price-menu-vibe-2024-11

Tech in Asia. (2025). Luckin Coffee faces hurdles in US expansion: Report. https://www.techinasia.com/news/luckin-coffee-faces-hurdles-in-us-expansion-report

The Guardian. (2025, July 30). The rapid rise of Luckin Coffee: Could it end Starbucks’ supremacy? https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/jul/30/rapid-rise-luckin-coffee-end-starbucks-supremacy