Starbucks to close 1% of North American stores, lay off 900 non-retail employees

Group 1 - Starbucks will close 1% of its North American stores, totaling over 120 locations, due to an inability to create the expected physical environment for customers and partners or a lack of financial performance [1] - The company will lay off approximately 900 non-retail employees as part of these changes [1] Group 2 - CEO Brian Niccol stated that these steps are necessary to build a better, stronger, and more resilient Starbucks, aiming to deepen its impact on the world and create more opportunities for partners, suppliers, and communities [2]