Starbucks has announced plans to close 250 stores across North America later this week. In a letter to employees, Mike Grams, Starbucks' Chief Operating Officer, explained that the affected locations either aren't performing well financially or aren't meeting the company's standards for customer and employee experience. However, Starbucks did not reveal which specific stores will close or how many are located in the United States, nor did it provide details about how many of the affected stores are unionized. Since late 2021, more than 700 Starbucks locations in the U.S. have voted to unionize, seeking better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Starbucks has not supported these unionization efforts, and negotiations between the company and the unions have yet to result in a labor agreement. This latest move comes amid ongoing labor tensions and a broader restructuring of the company's North American operations. In addition to closing underperforming stores, Starbucks is also working to renovate its existing locations to create a more welcoming environment for customers. The company plans to retrofit 1,500 stores by September 30, which marks the end of its fiscal year. Grams noted that these renovations have provided a clearer picture of each store's performance. While most locations are benefiting from the company's recent momentum, some continue to underperform despite the efforts of their staff. Starbucks emphasized that it remains committed to expanding its store count in North America. For employees affected by the store closures, the company said it will attempt to transfer them to other locations if possible. If that isn't feasible, affected employees will receive severance support to assist them during the transition.