Starbucks Shuts 7 Colorado Stores in Second Major Closure Wave Under CEO Brian Niccol
Starbucks is closing approximately 250 North American locations this week in its second major closure wave since CEO Brian Niccol took the helm in 2024. Seven Colorado stores are among those shutting their doors, spanning Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Lafayette, and Wheat Ridge. 9News
Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams stated that targeted locations “either are not delivering acceptable financial results or couldn’t offer the kind of experience the company wants to give customers and employees.” Affected Colorado addresses include high-traffic corridors in Denver’s southeast suburbs and Colorado Springs’ west and east sides.
The move mirrors a similar wave last September, when Starbucks closed 627 stores across North America and Europe, underscoring a broader strategy to trim underperforming outlets and refocus on quality customer experience.
Of the 250 closures, Starbucks Workers United confirmed that 20 unionised stores are included. The union has formally requested information on each affected location and expects to negotiate terms. Starbucks says it will attempt to transfer employees to nearby stores or offer severance packages where relocation is not possible.
The closures signal a leaner, experience-first direction for the coffee giant as it battles declining foot traffic and rising operational costs. Read our previous business oriented article here.
