Starbucks Confirms Store Closures in North Carolina Under New Strategy
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — Starbucks customers across North Carolina may soon find fewer cafés open as the company moves forward with a nationwide downsizing plan under its new CEO.
Starbucks “Back to Starbucks” Strategy
In a memo sent to employees on September 25, CEO Brian Niccol announced the closure of about 1% of Starbucks stores nationwide. The move is part of the company’s “Back to Starbucks” transformation plan, which focuses on improving financial performance and customer experience.
Niccol explained that targeted closures will affect locations where Starbucks cannot create “the physical environment our customers and partners expect” or where stores are not financially sustainable.
North Carolina Locations Impacted
Though the company has not officially confirmed store lists, multiple closures have already been reflected on Google Maps and discussed on social media forums.
According to a crowdsourced list, the following North Carolina Starbucks stores are closing:
- 1603 Battleground Ave., Greensboro
- 16 Seaboard Ave., Raleigh
- 2526 Hillsborough St., Raleigh
- 5319 New Hope Commons Drive, Durham
- 601 S. Tryon St., Charlotte
- 505 W. 3rd St., Pembroke
- 81 Rink Dam Road, Taylorsville
At least five of these locations are already listed as permanently closed online.
National Closures and Customer Reaction
Nationwide, more than 500 Starbucks stores across North America are reportedly included on the closure list, sparking heavy discussion on Reddit and other community forums.
Some customers worry the closures will limit access in college areas like Raleigh and Durham, while others argue the move is long overdue for underperforming locations.
What’s Next for Starbucks
The company says affected employees will be offered jobs at nearby Starbucks stores where possible. Meanwhile, Niccol emphasized that the strategy also includes redesigning existing cafés and updating menus to attract more customers.
For North Carolina coffee drinkers, the changes mean adjusting to fewer store options in major cities, but also the promise of a more focused, streamlined Starbucks experience.
Have you been affected by a Starbucks closure in your city? Share your experience and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
