Starbucks has announced to its shareholders that they will be closing up to 200 company-operated locations across Canada over the course of two years.
The decision comes as a response to the change of consumer habits in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closures are part of the company's overall restructuring to make room for new stores with innovative store formats. Many of the stores up for closure will be "repositioned", meaning that they will be relocated and updated to adjust to the new "normal".
"As our business recovery continues, we are now laying the foundation for a more transformational phase -- 'restore and build resilience' -- enabling us to accelerate the transformation of our business," explains the company to its shareholders.
Over the past year, the company has been experimenting with a new store format, "Starbucks Pick-up", which caters to consumers who prefer to order ahead through the Starbucks mobile app and pick up, as well as for Uber Eats delivery orders.
"These test stores have provided us with insights into how we can optimally integrate this new format with nearby cafe locations," says the company.
The first Canadian location of this kind opened in Toronto's Commerce Court earlier this year in January.
