Starbucks to close stores across EMEA after portfolio review
The review sought to identify stores that were unable to deliver the physical environment customers and staff wanted or lacked a path to sustainable financial performance
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Starbucks has announced plans to close an undisclosed number of stores in the UK, Switzerland and Austria following a review of its European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) operations.
The company said the closures form part of its ‘Back to Starbucks’ strategy, aimed at refocusing on customer service and ensuring that stores are “correctly located” and generating sufficient footfall.
In a statement, Starbucks said the review sought to identify stores that were unable to deliver the physical environment customers and staff wanted or lacked a path to sustainable financial performance.
The coffee chain is continuing to expand elsewhere, with plans to open 80 new stores in the UK and 150 across the wider EMEA region during the current financial year.
According to Starbucks, it remains on track for “net positive store growth” in the region next year.
Employees at affected stores will be informed as part of a consultation process. The company said it would seek to retain as many staff as possible, including by offering transfers to other outlets, and would provide enhanced compensation and wellbeing support where redeployment is not possible.
Starbucks operates nearly 5,000 stores across the EMEA region, and is said to remain committed to “building a stronger and more resilient business” that continues to support its staff, suppliers and the communities it serves.
