News Summary
Starbucks has announced plans to close more than 400 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe as part of its ‘Back to Starbucks’ turnaround initiative, led by CEO Brian Niccol. The firm aims to enhance operational efficiency while eliminating around 900 non-retail roles. Notably, the Thayer Street location in Providence has already shut down, contributing to a total expected decline to approximately 18,300 stores in North America. The closures are aimed at improving financial performance and customer satisfaction, as the company prepares to open new stores and renovate existing locations by 2026.
Providence, Rhode Island – Starbucks has announced plans to close over 400 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe as part of a major turnaround initiative led by CEO Brian Niccol. The company’s strategy, referred to as “Back to Starbucks,” is aimed at revitalizing their retail operations.
The decision to close various stores stems from the identification of those locations that have been struggling financially or those that fail to create the desired atmosphere. In tandem with the closures, approximately 900 non-retail positions will be eliminated, reflecting the company’s focus on enhancing operational efficiency.
Among the notable closures, the Starbucks on Thayer Street in Providence has already shut its doors, with signage removed from the storefront. This particular location was one of 47 Starbucks stores in Rhode Island prior to its closure, and it had been situated in a building owned by developer Kenneth Dulgarian.
Starbucks has not publicly released a comprehensive list of all locations that will be affected by the closures, but there is speculation that additional stores in Rhode Island may also close in the coming months. As part of this strategic transition, by the end of the fiscal year, Starbucks anticipates operating approximately 18,300 stores across North America, reflecting a 1% decline compared to the previous year.
The company’s decision comes after a detailed review of their store performance, which revealed that many locations were failing to meet predetermined financial targets and customer satisfaction expectations. Niccol has recognized the impact that these closures have on both employees and patrons, emphasizing that each Starbucks location serves as a community center.
Despite the closure of these locations, Starbucks has plans to maintain growth in the long term. The company aims to open new stores and undertake renovations at over 1,000 existing locations by 2026, indicating a forward-looking strategy to rejuvenate their brand and operational footprint.
While the termination of these stores is a significant action within the company’s plan, the exact long-term implications for the workforce and customer base remain to be seen. As the closures take effect, both employees and regular customers may face challenges as they adapt to the changing landscape of Starbucks locations in their communities.
Business Insider has begun compiling an incomplete list of the affected Starbucks locations based on staff accounts and verification through store locator tools, but many details remain uncertain. As the company proceeds with its revitalization efforts, the business landscape for coffee shops and cafes across various regions may shift substantially.
With current total Starbucks locations in Rhode Island reported at 34 before the recent closures, locals may experience alterations in their accessibility to the brand. These changes evoke fundamental questions about the balance of growth and contraction within one of the world’s most recognizable coffee chains.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Starbucks Closes Thayer Street Location in Providence
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Starbucks Closes Thayer Street Location
- Business Insider: List of Closing Starbucks Locations
- Turn to 10: Starbucks Coffeehouse Closed in Providence
- Patch: Starbucks Plans Store Closures and Layoffs
- Boston Globe: Starbucks Stores Closing in Boston Suburbs
- Wikipedia: Starbucks
- Google Search: Starbucks Store Closures
- Google Scholar: Starbucks Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Starbucks Coffee Company
- Google News: Starbucks Closures 2025
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.
