News Summary
The Starbucks on Thayer Street in Providence has permanently closed as part of a global initiative to reduce cafe locations. This closure aligns with Starbucks’ strategy to refocus on financially viable stores and improve customer experiences. The company has yet to disclose the total number of planned closures but emphasizes a shift towards enhancing service quality while navigating changing market dynamics. The Thayer Street closure leaves 34 Starbucks locations open in Rhode Island, but future closures in the state may occur as part of the company’s ongoing evaluation.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Starbucks on Thayer Street has permanently closed, marking a move in the company’s broader initiative to reduce its store locations across the globe. The signage for the coffeehouse has been taken down, signaling the end of its operations at this location.
This closure is part of Starbucks’ strategy to shrink its footprint by closing hundreds of stores in the U.S., Canada, and Europe as an effort to revitalize its business amid changing market conditions. While the exact number of stores scheduled for closure has not been disclosed, Starbucks reported that the Thayer Street coffeehouse is the only Starbucks location closing in Rhode Island.
As of June 29, Starbucks operated 18,734 locations worldwide. The company expects to have approximately 18,300 locations in North America by the end of its fiscal year. On September 25, Starbucks announced plans to close over 400 locations across the nation, focusing on stores that either do not perform well financially or fail to provide an adequate customer experience.
Starbucks’ closure initiative is being implemented under the “Back to Starbucks” plan, led by CEO Brian Niccol. This strategy aims to enhance overall customer experience while also aiming to grow the brand. Additionally, the plan includes the elimination of about 900 non-retail positions throughout the country, a decision that Niccol states will have a significant impact on both employees and the customer base.
Following the closure on Thayer Street, Starbucks will still maintain 34 locations in Rhode Island. However, there is a growing concern that more Starbucks locations in the state may shut down in the future as the company has not released a complete list of all the closing locations as of yet.
The building that housed the now-closed Starbucks was owned by developer Kenneth Dulgarian, who is known for owning several properties along Thayer Street. The fate of the premises remains uncertain, as Dulgarian has yet to comment on the future plans for the building.
Starbucks’ Plan for the Future
Starbucks has a long history of regularly opening and closing locations based on various operational considerations. This current series of closures is described as a necessary step to ensure the company remains competitive and continues to improve its service to customers.
Impact on Employees and Customers
With the closure of the Thayer Street store, Starbucks acknowledges the impact that these changes will have on its staff and the local community. Many employees might face job displacement due to the store’s closure and the overall reduction in the number of retail positions across the nation.
Continuing Changes in Retail Landscape
As the retail landscape evolves, Starbucks is adapting its business strategies to align with current market demands. These decisions reflect broader trends within the retail sector, where many businesses are recalibrating their operations in response to changing consumer behavior and economic pressures.
As it stands, while Starbucks remains a significant player in the coffee shop industry, the recent closures indicate a shifting mentality toward more sustainable and customer-centric business practices.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Starbucks Closed Thayer Street Location
- Turn to 10: Starbucks Coffeehouse Closed
- MSN: Starbucks on Thayer Street Closed
- Wikipedia: Starbucks
- Google Search: Starbucks closures news
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
