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Starbucks plans to close roughly 250 North American coffeehouses

The company cited poor performance, offering affected workers transfers or severance packages.

The short version

  • Starbucks announced plans to shut roughly 250 underperforming stores across North America, representing just over 1% of its regional footprint.[Business Insider · CNBC]
  • Impacted staff will be provided transfer opportunities where possible, alongside severance packages if other positions are unavailable.[Business Insider]
  • The closures are expected to generate about $300 million in restructuring charges, largely completed before the close of fiscal 2026.[CNBC]
  • The specific locations slated for closure have not yet been publicly disclosed.[Business Insider · CNBC]

Key facts

  • Starbucks announced it will shutter approximately 250 underperforming North American locations, affecting roughly 1% of its regional footprint.[Business Insider · CNBC]
  • The company expects about $300 million in restructuring charges, including around $200 million for early lease terminations and employee severance.[CNBC]
  • Starbucks lowered its fiscal 2026 net new cafe openings projection to 440 from an earlier forecast of 600 to 650, shifting new openings to international markets.[CNBC]
  • Affected personnel will receive transfer opportunities where available, or severance support if relocation is not feasible.[Business Insider]

What remains uncertain

  • The specific store locations slated for closure across North America have not been publicly identified.[CNBC]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.