With the possibility that Covid-19 may never go away, some businesses around the world are starting to adapt to the new normal.

Starbucks, for example, had planned on having more convenience-led formats in the U.S. such as Drive-Thru and mobile order only Starbucks Pickup in the next three to five years.

80% contactless transactions

According to Starbucks, prior to the pandemic, close to 80 per cent of its transactions were on-the-go mainly because of the order-and-pay-ahead ability of the Starbucks app.

"This strategy aligns closely with rapidly evolving customer preferences that have accelerated as a result of COVID-19, including higher levels of mobile ordering, more contactless pick-up experiences and reduced in-store congestion, all of which naturally allow for greater physical distancing."

Winding down 400 stores

In a report by CNBC, part of these plans also includes shutting down as many as 400 Starbucks outlets in the U.S.

The coffee chain also expects to open about 300 new locations in fiscal 2020, down from its original expectation of 600 net new stores.

In March, Starbucks closed most of its stores in North America due to Covid-19.

95 per cent of its stores have reopened, with the majority of the closed outlets located in the New York City area.

Up to S$4.5 billion loss

In May, it is reported that sales dropped by 43 per cent as stores reopened with modified hours and operations.

Due to Covid-19, Starbucks is predicting that the company lost as much as US$3.2 billion (S$4.5 billion) in revenue.

Said to be the largest coffee house chain in the world, the company currently has more than 32,000 stores worldwide.

Top image by Getty Images.