Introduction:Recently, many customers have noticed that their usual Manner coffee outlets have suddenly closed, with the mini-program displaying “temporarily closed” and no announcement regarding when they will reopen. It turns out this is related to internal staff scheduling within the brand—some baristas have taken leave due to excessive working hours, while others have been reassigned to support other stores, leading to temporary closures of certain outlets and shortened operating hours. This article delves into the reasons and impacts behind Manner’s operational adjustments, exploring the brand’s challenges in balancing expansion, quality, and pricing positioning.
Recently, many customers who visited their familiar Manner coffee outlets found the doors locked, with the mini-program showing “temporarily closed,” without any clear notice or information on when business would resume. This sudden wave of closures has sparked confusion and discussion among many customers.
Upon further investigation, these temporary store closures are closely linked to Manner’s internal human resource allocation strategy. It is understood that, in response to issues of staff exceeding regulated working hours, the brand has arranged for some overworked baristas to take leave, while those with remaining hours have been dispatched to support other outlets. Although this move aims to balance the workload, it has also resulted in some outlets having to temporarily shut down due to insufficient staffing.
At the same time, Manner has also adjusted the operating hours of some outlets. Many stores have pushed back their morning shifts from the original 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM, and evening shifts have been moved up to 6:00 PM or even earlier. For example, a netizen shared on a social media platform that a Manner outlet in Beijing has adjusted its operating hours from July 1st, now open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, which is one and a half hours shorter than the originally scheduled time.
Behind this round of adjustments lies the challenge Manner faces in managing manpower and operations amid rapid expansion. Some employees have revealed on social media platforms that they have been reassigned to work at other outlets, indirectly confirming that the brand is undergoing internal redistribution of human resources. This strategy of “reallocating personnel” may be the brand’s initial attempt to address the issue of understaffing in “single-person stores.”
Notably, Manner was previously reported to have incidents of conflict between staff and customers, and with the existing issue of tight manpower, some baristas may already be under significant pressure from excessive working hours. To avoid subsequent operational risks, the brand has chosen to give some employees leave and adjust operating hours to ensure service quality and employee welfare.
However, such adjustments have also triggered dissatisfaction and concerns among consumers. Many customers have expressed that they usually rely on Manner as their daily coffee source, but now face inconvenience due to temporary closures or shortened operating hours. How the brand can maintain service stability and employee benefits while expanding has become a focal point of industry attention.
Faced with fierce market competition characterized by “racing to the bottom in price, efficiency, and product offerings,” whether Manner can find a balance between chain expansion, specialty coffee quality, and affordable positioning will be key to its future development. This operational adjustment may be an important turning point for the brand in its pursuit of a sustainable business model.
As Manner continues to adjust its operational strategies, both the industry and consumers are closely watching to see if the brand can find its own path through this challenge and continue to deliver a high-quality coffee experience.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
