Same-store sales – or sales at locations open at least a year – rose 4% for the October-December period. Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said the results were evidence that the company's turnaround plan is taking hold. open image in gallery Starbucks saw a huge boost from its viral bear cup, which quickly sold out ( Starbucks )Starbucks is also adding seating and updating stores to make them cozier and more welcoming. LEARN MORE ADVERTISEMENTSome U.S. stores also gained customers after Starbucks closed nearly 600 stores in North America in September. In November, Starbucks announced it was forming a joint venture with Chinese investment firm Boyu Capital to operate Starbucks stores in China.