Starbucks store closures will affect approximately 250 coffeehouses across North America later this week. The company says some locations remain financially weak despite recent improvements, as noted by the Baltimore Chronicle editorial team.
The decision was confirmed in an official statement from Starbucks published on September 24. The closures represent roughly 1% of more than 18,000 Starbucks locations in North America.
Why Starbucks is closing 250 stores
Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams said Starbucks reviewed the performance of its North American coffeehouses.
Some locations cannot reach acceptable financial results. Others cannot provide the customer and employee experience Starbucks now expects.
The company has not published a complete list of affected locations. It also has not disclosed how many closures will occur in the United States.
The latest move follows a much larger restructuring last year. Starbucks closed 627 stores during its previous restructuring program. More than 90% of those locations were in North America.
Key figures behind the latest Starbucks closures include:
- approximately 250 coffeehouses scheduled to close;
- more than 18,000 Starbucks locations operating across North America;
- around 1% of the regional network affected;
- 1,500 coffeehouses expected to receive upgrades by September 30.
The company says employees may be transferred to nearby stores where suitable positions are available. Severance support will be offered when transfers are not possible.
Starbucks continues its Back to Starbucks strategy
The closures are part of CEO Brian Niccol’s wider Back to Starbucks strategy.
Starbucks has been redesigning stores to create a warmer environment. The company expects 1,500 North American coffeehouses to receive upgrades by September 30.
| Measure | Current plan |
|---|---|
| Stores closing | About 250 |
| Region | North America |
| Share of regional network | About 1% |
| Stores targeted for upgrades | 1,500 |
| Upgrade deadline | September 30 |
Despite the closures, Starbucks says it still plans to expand its North American store network.
The company reported improving sales earlier this year. North American comparable sales increased 7.1% during the second fiscal quarter of 2026.
What happens next
Starbucks has not yet released addresses for the coffeehouses scheduled to close.
Customers may therefore need to check individual store information as the closures take effect. More details could emerge once Starbucks updates its store network.
The latest round shows that expansion and consolidation are happening simultaneously. Starbucks is investing in stronger locations while removing stores that continue to underperform.
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