News Summary
Starbucks has announced the closure of more than 100 coffeehouse locations in North America as part of a restructuring initiative aimed at enhancing financial performance and customer experience. The closures impact multiple states including California, New York, and Texas, affecting both employees and loyal customers. The company plans to review approximately 18,000 stores to identify those that can meet its performance expectations while providing options for affected employees to transfer to busier locations.
Seattle – Starbucks has announced the closure of over 100 coffeehouse locations across North America as part of a restructuring effort aimed at improving financial performance and customer experience. This decision affects a variety of states including California, New York, and Texas, among others. While the company has not provided an official list of the locations to be closed, Business Insider is currently compiling information based on employee accounts and store visits.
The closures will impact at least 20 stores in Los Angeles, including seven along Wilshire Boulevard, and at least three stores in Sacramento have been confirmed closed. Employees at a Monrovia location received notice just a day before the store’s closing. Despite the company’s attempts to minimize the impact, the emotional toll on both employees and customers is significant, as many of these stores play vital roles in their communities.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol indicated that the closures stem from the company’s inability to meet key performance indicators in certain locations. The plan involves reviewing around 18,000 stores to ensure that those that remain can deliver the ideal atmosphere the company aims to create. Employees affected by these closures will be given the option to transfer to busier locations; however, the company also expects to implement layoffs, with approximately 900 non-retail positions being cut as part of efficiency efforts.
In addition to these closures, Starbucks has also confirmed it will shut down 80 to 90 “Pick Up” stores that were exclusively designed for mobile orders. This restructuring could reduce Starbucks’ North American footprint by about 1%, while simultaneously planning to reinvest in over 1,000 of its remaining cafes. Locations targeted for closure are spread across several states, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington. Unofficial lists circulating online indicate that as many as 200 stores could potentially close, with 67 already confirmed in California alone.
In Napa, specific store closures will affect locations that represent distinct phases of Starbucks’ history, further highlighting the deep connections formed between these stores and their local customers. The signage at various closures denotes the difficult nature of these decisions, expressing gratitude for the community built around each store.
Additionally, a local union representative has hinted at potential bargaining to assist affected union workers in transferring to other nearby locations. Future updates about store closures will be made available through the Starbucks app, providing a way for customers to stay informed about the company’s ongoing changes.
This restructuring effort comes at a time when Starbucks is seeking to adapt to changing consumer behavior and market demands. By refining its operations and focusing on locations that meet customer expectations, the company aims to enhance its brand presence and ensure a more sustainable future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Starbucks Announces Major Store Closures Across Regions
Additional Resources
- ABC7: Starbucks Closing Several Stores in Los Angeles Area
- Business Insider: List of Closing Starbucks Locations
- Press Democrat: Starbucks Closures in Sonoma and Napa
- KTVU: Starbucks Bay Area Closures
- SFGate: Bay Area Starbucks Store Closures
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
