Starbucks plans to close approximately 250 stores across North America, or roughly 1% of its locations, prompting condemnation from the United Steelworkers union. The closures, which Starbucks said could begin as early as this week, follow a review of stores that did not meet expected customer-experience and financial-performance standards under its Back to Starbucks strategy. Most closures are expected by the end of fiscal 2026, with about $300 million in restructuring charges, including $200 million in cash costs and $100 million in non-cash disposal and impairment charges. Starbucks reduced its fiscal 2026 forecast for net new global company-operated and licensed coffeehouses to approximately 440 from 600 to 650 previously. USW said no USW-represented Starbucks locations had been confirmed for closure, but urged the company to provide timely transfers, training, retraining, financial support and meaningful notice to affected workers. Shares were up 0.45% at $94.05 at publication. Investors are also watching a potential sale of a majority stake in Starbucks’ Japan business, estimated Oct. 28, 2026 earnings, analyst targets and ETF exposure.