Starbucks said Thursday it will close about 250 stores across North America this week, according to the Associated Press, Toronto Sun, Breitbart, The Western Journal and Fox Business. The company described the move as a "difficult decision" following a review of store performance, Fox Business and The Western Journal reported.
Breitbart reported the closures follow more than 600 store shutdowns last year, making this the second wave of cuts. Fox Business reported that Starbucks COO Mike Grams cited struggles with financial performance as the reason for the closures.
Some closures are affecting specific regions. The New York Post reported that 64 locations across California are set to close, stretching from Santa Rosa to San Diego and affecting the Bay Area, Sacramento, the Central Coast, Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire, according to the outlet. Global News reported that some Starbucks locations in British Columbia, Canada, are also closing.
Outlets differ on the geographic scope described. The Toronto Sun and Breitbart described the closures as spanning both the U.S. and Canada, while the New York Post and Global News each focused on closures within a single region — California and British Columbia, respectively.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Associated Press reported Starbucks will shutter 250 stores in North America this week.
- Coverage framed the move as a "2nd wave of closings."
“Starbucks to shutter 250 stores in North America this week in 2nd wave of closings” — Associated Press
Center
- Global News focused on the impact to specific Starbucks locations in British Columbia, Canada.
“Starbucks Canada closing some B.C. locations” — Global News
Right
- Breitbart reported the 250 closures follow more than 600 store closures last year.
- Fox Business reported comments attributed to Starbucks COO Mike Grams citing financial performance struggles.
- The New York Post detailed 64 closures across California, listing affected regions.
- The Western Journal and Toronto Sun both reported the overall 250-store closure figure across North America.
“Starbucks to close 250 stores: 'Difficult decision'” — Fox Business
Questions readers ask
What did Starbucks announce?
Starbucks announced it will close about 250 stores across North America this week, calling it a "difficult decision" after reviewing store performance, according to multiple outlets.
Why is Starbucks closing stores?
Starbucks cited struggles with financial performance, according to Fox Business, which reported comments attributed to Starbucks COO Mike Grams. The closures follow a review of underperforming locations.
How many Starbucks stores have closed recently?
About 250 stores are closing this week, according to multiple outlets, following more than 600 closures last year, according to Breitbart.
Which areas are affected by the closures?
The New York Post reported 64 closures across California, including the Bay Area, Sacramento, the Central Coast, Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Global News reported some British Columbia, Canada, locations are also closing.
What did different outlets focus on in their coverage?
Left-leaning and right-leaning national outlets largely reported the overall 250-store closure figure across North America, while some center and right outlets focused on regional impacts in California and British Columbia.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningStarbucks to shutter 250 stores in North America this week in 2nd wave of closings
- ForbesCenterWhat Starbucks’ 250 Store Closures Taught Small Business About Scaling
- Global NewsCenterStarbucks Canada closing some B.C. locations
- BreitbartRight-leaningStarbucks Closing 250 Stores in North America Following More Than 600 Shuttered Last Year
- Fox BusinessRight-leaningStarbucks to close 250 stores: 'Difficult decision'
- New York PostRight-leaningStarbucks is closing dozens of stores across California — here’s where
- The Western JournalRight-leaningStarbucks to Close Down Hundreds of Underperforming Locations
- Toronto SunRight-leaningStarbucks to close 250 more locations in Canada, U.S. this week