Starbucks has announced the closure of seven of its coffee shop locations in the San Francisco area by the end of this month. The company stated that this move is part of a larger restructuring plan and is not attributed to any specific cause.
According to a statement by the company, “Each year, as part of our regular business operations, we assess our store portfolio to identify the best way to meet the needs of our community and customers. This involves opening new locations, renovating existing ones, exploring alternative formats, and sometimes re-evaluating our footprint.”
All seven locations will be closed by October 22nd.
This announcement comes amidst a period of change for Starbucks, with former CEO and co-founder, Howard Schultz, stepping down from the board as the company enters a new era.
While the specific reason for the closure of these San Francisco locations was not provided, concerns about retail crime and safety may play a significant role. Starbucks has closed stores in other major cities in the past due to concerns about the safety of their staff and customers.
Additionally, ongoing contract negotiations with Starbucks Workers United, a union representing thousands of Starbucks workers, could also be a contributing factor. The company has faced criticism from federal regulators for firing employees and closing locations, which organizers argue is an attempt to hinder the unionization effort.
