Part 6/10:
Interestingly, while many stores are closing, Starbucks continues to open new locations elsewhere, indicating a shift toward more profitable or strategic markets. This aligns with a strategy to prioritize areas with higher foot traffic, better safety profiles, and less union pressure.
A Response to Changing Consumer and City Dynamics
Many observers correlate the closures with the increasing challenges in big urban centers—rising crime, homelessness, and safety concerns—making some stores unfeasible. In Seattle, for example, issues like open drug markets, homelessness, and safety hazards in downtown areas have become commonplace, affecting business operations.