Visiting a nearby Starbucks outlet and sipping on your favorite Frappe- Joe may seem like a distant dream! And there’s a great chance for it to stay that way given the coffee chain’s decision to close 400 stores across the country in preparation for the post-pandemic economic storm.
The marquee recently announced its plans to “strategically optimize” its store count in the US and close 400 company-operated stores over the next 18 months. Ironically though, the company has also restated its endeavor to open roughly 300 net new locations this year, most of which will be “in different locations and with innovative store formats.” The expansion will focus mainly on “convenience-led formats” such as curbside pickup, drive-thru, and mobile-only pickup locations.
Commenting on this, Starbucks in an official statement said, “Our vision is that each large city in the U.S. will ultimately have a mix of traditional Starbucks cafés and Starbucks Pickup locations,” The marquee further added, “With Starbucks Pickup stores located within walking distance of a traditional Starbucks café, customers can choose to enjoy their Starbucks Experience in a Starbucks café or pick up their order at either that café or a nearby Starbucks Pickup store.” Well, for now – let’s dream on for the perfect cuppa!
[Via: TechCrunch]
