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In fact, some closures have spawned angry graffiti and protests, labeling the company's decisions as "cowardly." Critics argue that the closures are also a form of economic self-preservation amidst a declining retail environment compounded by social and safety issues.
The Larger Context: Urban Decline and Economic Shifts
Starbucks' mass closing of stores signals broader trends affecting urban America. Many food and retail chains—Whole Foods in San Francisco, In-N-Out in Oakland—have cited safety issues and safety-related costs as reasons for shuttering locations. This phenomenon reflects a grim reality: certain city centers are becoming less viable for high-profile retail due to social disorder, crime, and economic decline.