Introduction to Starbucks’ Layoffs
Trouble is brewing for the country’s most famous coffee brand, as Starbucks announced it will lay off 900 workers and close down shops across the country, including dozens in NYC, some of which are unionized.
Reasons Behind the Closures
The Big Apple closures follow a Thursday announcement from Starbucks that it plans to shutdown select shops as part of a review of its coffee houses in North America. The goal of the review is for every coffeehouse to deliver a “warm and welcoming space,” according to a public statement from Starbucks chairman and CEO Brian Niccol.
“During the review, we identified coffeehouses where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance, and these locations will be closed,” Niccol said in the announcement.
List of Closing Locations
A public Google document was released listing the closings. The NYC Starbucks locations to close immediately are listed below. Although some locations are unionized, a Starbucks spokesperson said it “was not a factor” in the decision-making process (except where noted, all locations are in Manhattan):
- 330 W. 34th St.
- 219 First Ave.
- 111 University Place
- 145 Third Ave.
- 140 West St.
- 750 Sixth Ave.
- 510 Sixth Ave.
- 372 Greenwich St.
- 444 Broadway
- 405 Broadway
- 230 Varick St.
- 393 Third Ave.
- 261 Fifth Ave.
- 360 Lexington Ave.
- 871 Eighth Ave.
- 156 W. 52nd St.
- 969 First Ave.
- 11 E. 59th St.
- 159 Columbus Ave.
- 2252 Broadway
- 284 Saint Nicholas Ave.
- 1488 Third Ave.
- 550 W. 145th St.
- 2045 Broadway
- 245 E. 80th St.
- 21-02 49th Ave. (Long Island City, Queens)
- 21-03A Broadway (Astoria, Queens)
- 395 Flatbush Ave. (Brooklyn)
- 309 Gold St. (Brooklyn)
- 45 Hoyt St. (Brooklyn)
- 3 Flushing Ave. (Brooklyn)
- 625 Atlantic Ave. (Brooklyn)
- 578 Atlantic Ave. (Brooklyn)
- 969 First Ave. (Brooklyn)
Support for Affected Employees
Some of the positions getting cut include non-retail employees. Starbucks notified those employees of the cuts on Friday, the company said.
“We will offer generous severance and support packages, including benefits extensions,” Niccol said.
Some coffeehouse workers might be transferred to other locations.
“We’re working hard to offer transfers to nearby locations where possible and will move quickly to help partners understand what opportunities might be available to them,” Niccol said. “For those we can’t immediately place, we’re focused on partner care, including comprehensive severance packages.”
Public Reaction
Meanwhile, NYC coffee drinkers shared their thoughts about the closures on social media. Many people said they would not miss their local Starbucks. One commenter said the coffee was “overpriced and overrated.”
Another person said the company “built a brand, and then destroyed it.”
John, a native New Yorker from Manhattan, was “very sad” to hear that hundreds of workers would lose their jobs as a result of the closures.
“That’s very sad. It’s a lot of people,” he said.
Coffee drinker Karin said she was surprised that her local Upper West Side location was closing because it was often crowded.
“I’m shocked it’s not staying,” she said. “I liked the brown sugar shaken coffee, my dog liked the pup cup. How will I explain to her no more pup cups?”
The closure sweep comes after Starbucks shut its iconic Astor Place location last year. The Greenwich Village shop poured its last cup of coffee on July 29, 2024. When it opened on March 30, 1995, it was the largest Starbucks in NYC.
Conclusion
The closure of dozens of Starbucks locations in NYC and the layoffs of 900 workers nationwide mark a significant shift for the company. As the coffee giant aims to create a more welcoming environment for customers, it must also navigate the challenges of supporting affected employees and maintaining its brand reputation.
FAQs
Q: How many Starbucks locations are closing in NYC?
A: Dozens of Starbucks locations are closing in NYC, with a full list available in a public Google document.
Q: Why is Starbucks closing these locations?
A: Starbucks is closing these locations as part of a review of its coffee houses in North America, aiming to create a “warm and welcoming space” for customers.
Q: What support will be offered to affected employees?
A: Starbucks will offer generous severance and support packages, including benefits extensions, and will work to transfer some employees to nearby locations.
Q: How have customers reacted to the news?
A: Many customers have shared their thoughts on social media, with some expressing sadness and surprise, while others have criticized the company for being “overpriced and overrated.”
Q: What is the timeline for the closures?
A: The closures will take place immediately, with some locations already closed.
