Starbucks

Starbucks has opened two stores in Ürümqi, one at the Grand Bazaar and one at the airport, featuring Uyghur decor and regional products. The expansion has prompted heavy criticism in Washington; a US select committee called the move “shocking and morally reprehensible” and demanded closures because of the documented repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Starbucks’ China business is majority operated by Boyu Capital; Starbucks licenses the brand to the joint venture, which facilitates the operational expansion in China. » More on faz.net

As part of its "Back to Starbucks" strategy, Starbucks will close roughly 250 unprofitable stores in North America; restructuring costs are estimated at about $300 million. At the same time, the company is reshaping its Asia structure, building a tech hub in Chennai with 800 jobs and pursuing an asset‑light model in India. A $1 billion re-design is intended to convert stores from pickup-only stations into places to linger; CEO Brian Niccol and COO Mike Grams are driving the initiatives. » More on finanzen.net

Starbucks announced the closure of 250 unprofitable stores in North America, about 1% of its roughly 18,000 locations; the move is to be largely completed by the end of fiscal 2026. Restructuring costs are estimated at around $300 million. At the same time, the company cut its global new-store opening target for 2026 from 600–650 to about 440 stores and, under CEO Brian Niccol, is focusing on shorter wait times, simpler menus and operational investments to boost sales. Despite inflation, demand for Starbucks specialty drinks has recently remained robust, while the company is cutting administrative roles and closing regional offices. » More on spiegel.de