智通财经网·2025-12-31 00:57Core Viewpoint - Starbucks (SBUX.US) announced a $1 billion restructuring plan that includes closing 400 stores in major U.S. cities due to profitability pressures and challenges in maintaining brand standards [1] Group 1: Store Closures and Restructuring - The store closures will primarily affect metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Baltimore [1] - This decision is a response to changes in consumer behavior, including the rise of remote work, increased competition, and inflationary pressures [1] - The closures are part of a comprehensive evaluation of Starbucks' 18,000 North American stores, targeting underperforming locations [1] Group 2: Strategic Focus and Future Plans - Starbucks plans to shift focus to suburban areas with lower operating costs and will renovate over 1,000 stores to align with its updated brand vision [1] - The company aims to open new stores in affected cities by 2026 [1] - CEO Brian Niccol has introduced the "Return to Starbucks" strategy to reposition the brand as a "third space" outside of home and office, emphasizing customer experience and operational efficiency [1] Group 3: Workforce Impact - Alongside store closures, Starbucks will lay off approximately 900 corporate employees, with efforts to reassign affected staff to nearby locations [1] - Employees who cannot be reassigned will receive severance packages [1] - The restructuring is a response to six consecutive quarters of declining same-store sales in the U.S. market [1] Group 4: Employee Concerns - The Starbucks Workers United union expressed concerns over the lack of barista involvement in the decision-making process and plans to advocate for job placement options for affected employees [2] - Starbucks is attempting to balance cost control with long-term brand strengthening and customer loyalty amid a changing market environment [2] - The company's stock price has declined by over 4% this year [2]