Pumpkin drinks spark record Starbucks sales

The big picture: The record underscores the importance of the seasonal switch, led by the chain's Pumpkin Spice Latte.

• Seasonal drinks and limited-time menus have driven sales and traffic for the company in the past.

Driving the news: Niccol sent employees a Labor Day message thanking them for the record results.

• Tuesday, the day of the menu's launch, was the "strongest Tuesday sales day ever," Niccol said.

State of play: Under Niccol — who joined from Chipotle last September — Starbucks has been making a series of changes to reverse a decline in foot traffic and sales as part of the "Back to Starbucks" plan.

• He told Axios in June that the company has been making progress, but it might take time before the results show up in earnings.
• "I hope sooner rather than later," he said.

Between the lines: Starbucks didn't disclose specific sales or traffic figures in the memo.

What's next: The company has been testing new drinks and menu changes under its turnaround plan.

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