Starbucks to Close About 250 Stores in Latest Round of Cafe Closures

Starbucks will close approximately 250 stores across North America in the latest round of cafe closures tied to the company's turnaround strategy, the company said.

The closures represent about 1% of Starbucks' North American cafe footprint. The move is part of a broader effort by the coffee giant to streamline its store portfolio and improve profitability amid ongoing challenges in its retail business.

Starbucks has faced pressure in recent periods from shifting consumer habits, rising costs and increased competition in the coffee and quick-service retail sector. The company has previously undertaken cost-cutting and operational changes as part of a wider turnaround plan aimed at stabilizing sales and improving the customer experience.

It was not immediately clear which specific locations would be affected by the latest round of closures or what the impact would be on Starbucks employees at the affected stores.

Starbucks operates thousands of stores across North America and remains one of the largest coffeehouse chains in the world.