Starbucks will close more 100 additional stores in the United States and an additional 200 stores in Canada. The closings will take place over the next 18 months. Starbucks said the closures will be focused in cities, or its “metro business” with lower-performing stores.

Why is this happening? It appears that Starbucks made that decision after assessing how its was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This makes sense, considering that people’s lifestyles and work habits changed as a result of COVID-19.

Before the pandemic, and the heath and safety measures that stores had to take in order to prevent the virus from spreading, people went to Starbucks for coffee before going to work. Others may have spent their lunch break at Starbucks. There was a time when people who worked from home would bring their laptop to Starbucks, find a table, and work there. Today, stores that serve food and drinks have had to remove indoor seating.

If the Starbucks nearest you closes, you may feel disappointed. On the other hand, this gives you the opportunity to save some money. Order some Starbucks coffee from the grocery store, and brew it at home. Doing so will be less expensive than if you bought it at a Starbucks shop. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you could seek out a different brand of coffee.

Starbucks also intends to open new small-format stores, in places where the rent is lower. The focus is on drive-thru locations, particularly in the suburbs. In cities, Starbucks is starting to open Starbucks Pickup stores, where customers can place an order that will be ready for them when they arrive. It appears the Pickup stores only offer to-go service.

Another option is to seek out a local small business coffee shop. The cost of their drinks and pastries maybe lower than similar items at Starbucks.

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