Starbucks welcomed CEO Brian Niccol in September.Spencer Platt/GettyStarbucks underwent many changes this year, and more are likely coming in 2025.New CEO Brian Niccol will face choices about Starbucks' unionized stores and its China business.Starbucks faced slumping sales and dealt with activist investors in 2024.Signs that Starbucks needed a turnaround mounted in 2024.