Starbucks announced this week that it would be closing stores across North America and laying off 900 non-retail employees.
The question for many locals was WHICH shops here in Metro Vancouver would be affected.
Now, signs posted on doors and word from former employees have begun to paint that picture.
Starbucks Richlea Square is Closing
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In Metro Vancouver, at least eight stores are set to close:
- Richlea Square – 10151 No.3 Rd, Richmond BC
- Downtown Vancouver – 785 Denman St., Vancouver BC
- Downtown Vancouver – 2840 Bentall St., Vancouver BC
- Mount Pleasant- 2035 Yukon St, Vancouver BC
- Gilmore – 4122 Dawson St., Burnaby BC
- Port Moody – 176 Brew Street, Port Moody BC
- Coquitlam – 2662 Austin Ave., Coquitlam BC
- Surrey – 3278 King George Blvd, Surrey BC
Several others in Victoria and in interior BC were also shared to be closing as well.
The number of closures may rise.
The news follows Starbucks’ confirmation that it will end the fiscal year with 124 fewer stores across North America.
CEO Brian Niccol has said the closures are part of the company’s “Back to Starbucks” plan, which is focused on putting resources into stores that can provide the atmosphere and financial performance the brand is aiming for.
While Starbucks typically closes shops due to lease expirations or underperformance, this wave has felt different to many.
Employees on TikTok have voiced frustration at the abruptness of the process, with some saying there was little support offered to transfer staff into other locations.
The closures come on the heels of another headline-grabbing move: shutting down the Capitol Hill Reserve Roastery in Seattle, a flagship store that was once a symbol of Starbucks’ ambitions.
The next question is what these empty stores will turn to.
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