# Starbucks North American store closures and restructuring

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/starbucks-north-american-store-closures-and-restructuring
> Updated: 2026-09-26T05:54:24.000Z. Sources: 98. Developments: 2.

Starbucks is closing approximately 250 underperforming stores across North America, representing about 1% of its regional footprint. The decision, communicated by Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams, targets locations that either fail to meet financial performance standards or cannot provide the desired customer and employee experience.

The closures are part of the ‘Back to Starbucks’ restructuring strategy led by CEO Brian Niccol. This initiative is expected to result in approximately $300 million in restructuring charges, including $200 million in cash costs for early lease terminations and employee severance, and $100 million in non-cash asset impairment charges. In addition to store closures, the company has implemented corporate job cuts, including 900 non-retail positions.

As part of this strategic shift, Starbucks has revised its global growth outlook. The company now projects approximately 440 net new store openings globally for fiscal 2026, a reduction from its previous estimates of 600 to 650 openings. While scaling back certain areas, the company indicated it expects stronger growth in international markets.

To support staff, Starbucks intends to offer affected employees transfers to nearby locations where possible, providing severance support to those who cannot be reassigned. The company also continues to invest in store renovations and technological growth, including plans to establish a new Global Capability Centre in India. Following the announcement, the United Steelworkers union criticized the restructuring, stating the company is “prioritizing profits over its workforce.”

## Claims

- Starbucks will close approximately 250 North American stores. (corroborated by 22 sources)
- The closures represent about 1% of the company's more than 18,000 North American locations. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Affected employees will be offered transfer opportunities or severance support. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The restructuring is expected to cost approximately $300 million. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- About $200 million of the restructuring costs relate to lease exits and employee severance. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The company has lowered its global store-opening target for fiscal 2026 to 440 locations. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The company recently cut 900 corporate jobs. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The USW condemned the closures, stating the company is prioritizing profits over workers. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Starbucks to close 250 North American stores as part of turnaround

Starbucks will close about 250 underperforming North American stores, a move costing roughly $300 million as part of a corporate turnaround strategy led by CEO Brian Niccol.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/starbucks-to-close-250-north-american-stores-amid-turnaround

### 2026-09-24: Starbucks to close 250 North American stores amid turnaround plan

Starbucks is closing about 250 underperforming North American stores this week, a move expected to cost $300 million as part of CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround plan to improve profitability and customer service.

70 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/starbucks-to-close-250-underperforming-north-american-stores

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Cite as: Starbucks North American store closures and restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/starbucks-north-american-store-closures-and-restructuring