Starbucks Closing 400 Stores; Future of Local Shops Unknown

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Starbucks will close 400 stores in the United States and Canada while moving forward with concepts that will be an integration of the digital and physical customer experience, CEO Kevin Johnson said in a release Wednesday.

Over the next 18 months, Starbucks will increase drive-thru and curbside pickup options, as well as Starbucks Pickup locations.

"Starbucks stores have always been known as the 'third place,’ a welcoming place outside of our home and work where we connect over a cup of coffee," Johnson said. "As we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, we are accelerating our store transformation plans to address the realities of the current situation, while still providing a safe, familiar and convenient experience for our customers."

He said in the letter that over the past two weeks in the United States, there have been positive responses from customers who are adapting to the new normal.

"However, until a vaccine is developed and broadly available, consumers will be cautious as they return to work or go back to school," Johnson said. "And with over 36 million Americans suddenly out of work and concerned about their future, there are questions about the overall shape of the economic recovery in this COVID-19 economy."

With that in mind, the U.S. store portfolio transformation includes the expansion of new Starbucks Pickup stores in busy markets including New York City, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco, and convenience-led enhancements such as curbside, drive-thru and walk up windows in suburban areas. Starbucks will fuse the traditional cafe with new on-the-go experiences.

While the company has yet to finalize which stores to close or transform, Arlington Heights has six Starbucks locations that could be on the list:

• 1808 S Arlington Heights Road
• 1802 N Arlington Heights Road
• Arlington Town Square Condos, 33 S Evergreen Ave.
• 2964 W Euclid Ave.
• Annex of Arlington, 115 W Rand Road
• Target, 1700 E Rand Road

Patch editor Abhinanda Datta contributed to this report.

Stay Patched In!

• Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest Arlington Heights news
• Check out the Events Calendar for what's going on in Arlington Heights
• Like our Crime page on Facebook
• Patch Mobile: Get app for iPhone and Android