Starbucks is one of the most famous and successful chains in the world. Almost every country has a branch of this franchise that has dominated the coffee business. However, despite its success, the company’s latest measure involves the closure of 400 stores in the United States, notably in New York City, where 42 of the 725 locations that existed as of December 15th have closed, according to CNN. This is all part of a new Starbucks strategy in the United States.
As of December 15, 2025, the major coffee company had 16,854 stores in the United States
Going into detail, Starbucks has embarked on a transformation of its business model with a view to 2026. Last year, it began implementing changes by closing its pickup locations, and now further changes are on the way. According to ScrapeHero, as of December 15, 2025, the major coffee company had 16,854 stores in the United States. And in September of last year, Starbucks had already announced the closure of approximately 400 of its stores across the country.
According to our information, the decision is part of a $1 billion restructuring plan spearheaded by new CEO Brian Niccol in response to declining sales. Furthermore, according to the data firm ScrapeHero mentioned above, the United States is the company’s largest market, with branches in 3,821 of its 30,000 cities across North America. While the company has not yet released an official list of the affected locations, details are already emerging.
“Opening and closing stores is a normal part of our business”
Recently, in a statement sent to WSMV, the company asserted that: “Starbucks regularly evaluates its portfolio of coffee shops to ensure it meets the needs of our customers. Opening and closing stores is a normal part of our business, and we have no additional information to share in the U.S. or elsewhere.” The closure of the 400 Starbucks stores is part of a restructuring plan announced by the company’s CEO, which will focus on improving the location of its stores, not simply closing them.
The shifts in work practices following the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the flow of people in offices
These changes are being implemented for several reasons, including the market impact of the coronavirus pandemic that began in 2020. The shifts in work practices following the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the flow of people in offices and corporate buildings. As mentioned earlier, during those challenging periods of the pandemic, Starbucks opened several pickup locations, where there was minimal contact between employees and customers. This type of business ended up closing last year because, according to Starbucks itself, it was a business model that aligned with the company’s ideology—an ideology centered on direct and personalized customer interaction.
Specialized brands have gained ground: cafes where the quality of the coffee is paramount
Another change is the increased competition in urban areas, where small, specialized brands have gained ground. These days, especially in large cities, specialty coffee shops have seen a surge in popularity. These are cafes where the quality of the coffee is paramount. They also often offer a space to work or study, a place where you can relax, enjoy a quality coffee, and experience a pleasant atmosphere. These establishments have become increasingly popular and are gaining ground on Starbucks in various aspects.
Ultimately, Starbucks’ idea is to reinvent itself. “We plan to open new stores and renovate others in 2026, including in metropolitan cities like New York and Los Angeles,” a Starbucks spokesperson told American Bazaar Online on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. According to what has been revealed so far, these updates will include new chairs and sofas; updated lighting; and electrical outlets adapted for remote work, a practice that has become more widespread since the 2020 pandemic.