McDonald's Goes 12 Months Without U.S. Sales Growth; Execs Promise Customization and 'Convenient' Payments Even though McDonald's same-stores sales declined in October, the fast-food chain was able to beat analysts' expectations.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

McDonald's sales slump has continued into October. On the bright side, the month wasn't as terrible as expected.

McDonald's global comparable sales fell 0.5 percent in October, a lesser drop than the 2.2 percent analysts were predicting.

Sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) suffered the most, falling 4.2 percent. China and Japan are still struggling following the chicken supplier scandal in China this summer. However, Australia had a strong quarter, with McDonald's launching a higher-price customization menu that allowed customers to do add toppings like guacamole and pineapple to their burgers.

Related: McDonald's Tries to Tell Haters That 'Lovin' Beats Hatin''

In the U.S., sales dropped 1 percent, marking the 12th straight month without domestic sales growth. In an attempt to reverse the negative trend, McDonald's is revamping marketing and organizational structures, as well as simplifying the menu.

"Today's consumers increasingly prefer customizable food options, dining in a contemporary, inviting atmosphere and using more convenient ways to order and pay for their meals," said McDonald's CEO Don Thompson. "At McDonald's, we are diligently working to bring these elements of the customer experience to life through McDonald's Experience of the Future."

In October, McDonald's reported a global comparable sales decline of 3.3 percent. In addition to bad press and distrustful customers following the chicken scandal in China, franchisees blamed the poor quarter on overcomplicated menus, "idiotic" corporate marketing plans and a lack of corporate leadership.

Related: Burger King Posts Strong U.S. Sales Growth as McDonald's Flounders

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Google, Spotify Down in a Massive Outage Affecting Tens of Thousands. Here's What We Know.

Both Google and Spotify appear to be down for thousands of users.

Business News

Mattel Signs First-of-Its-Kind Deal With OpenAI to Bring ChatGPT to 'Iconic' Toys

Mattel is also allowing its employees to use ChatGPT Enterprise to help design new products.

Side Hustle

After a 12-Year-Old's Side Hustle Made Over $4,000 in 1 Day, He and His Dad Grew the Business to Nearly $50,000 a Month: 'It Takes Commitment'

Madden Forrest and his father, Steven, turned their passion for football into a lucrative business.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

This 'Sweet' Role Is the Highest Paid Position at Walmart After Managers

If you're creative and have a sweet tooth, the coveted (and lucrative) cake decorator position at Walmart may be for you.

Business News

I Called Klarna's New AI Hotline to Talk to the Company's 'CEO' — Here's What Happened

Klarna's CEO voice-cloned himself and had the clone take customer calls over an AI-powered hotline.