Starbucks Closes 250 North American Stores in Second Wave of Cutbacks
Starbucks is closing 250 stores across North America this week as part of a second wave of closures.
La Crosse Eau Claire, WI, September 24, 2026 — Starbucks confirmed this week that it is proceeding with the closure of 250 stores across North America. This represents a second wave of store consolidations for the coffee giant.
The closures, which are taking place this week, impact locations throughout the United States and Canada. The company has not provided specific details regarding which regions or individual stores are affected by this latest round of cutbacks. The exact reasons for each closure were also not immediately available, though the company has previously cited underperformance as a factor in such decisions.
This initiative marks a continuation of Starbucks’ strategic review of its retail footprint. Previously, the company announced plans to close approximately 100 stores in the U.S. and 300 in international markets, with a particular focus on company-operated stores in urban areas, by the end of fiscal year 2020. This current wave of 250 closures appears to be a distinct but related part of its ongoing operational adjustments.
Starbucks has faced evolving consumer behaviors and increased competition, prompting a reassessment of its store portfolio. While the company has not elaborated on the specific criteria for this latest set of closures, previous announcements have indicated a focus on optimizing store locations and formats to better align with customer traffic patterns and market demands. The timeline for the full implementation of these closures is not specified beyond their occurrence this week.
The impact of these closures on employment numbers or specific communities has not been detailed by the company at this time. Starbucks has stated in the past that it aims to support affected employees through various means, including transfers to other locations or separation packages, though specifics for this wave of closures were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by By DEE-ANN DURBIN – AP Business Writer on www.wxow.com, see more information here.
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