By James Rodger

Copyright birminghammail

Starbucks is set to close “some” of its 520 UK stores putting jobs at risk. On Thursday, the company confirmed it has launched a consultation over the proposed closure of a number of company-owned UK stores. Starbucks, which has coffee shops in Birmingham , did not disclose how many stores will be affected and where these are located. In a statement, Starbucks said: “As outlined in a letter shared by Brian Niccol (chief executive), we have conducted a review of our coffeehouse portfolio in North America and certain stores have been identified for closure where it has not been possible to create the physical environment customers and partners (employees) want, and where there isn’t a path to financial performance. READ MORE UK national speed limit could be slashed in ‘half’ with all drivers warned “In Europe Middle East and Africa, we have conducted a similar review of our company-operated store portfolio with the goal of ensuring that our stores are correctly located, generating appropriate levels of foot traffic and operating in the right formats. “While the EMEA business is on track to meet its commitment to open 80 new stores in the UK and 150 across EMEA this financial year, some stores in the UK, Switzerland and Austria will close as a result of this portfolio review.” The hot drinks giant is rivalled by Caffe Nero and Costa Coffee. Back in 2023, it hailed “good progress” in its expansion plans to open 100 new stores in the UK. Alex Rayner, vice president and general manager at Starbucks UK, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Oldham community to our new store and our first in Oldham. “Celebrating 25 years in the UK is a real privilege and, to mark this special anniversary, we’ve just launched our first UK-exclusive beverage, Starbucks Clotted Cream Fudge Cold Brew, which is available now in all UK stores. “Looking ahead, we are fully invested in the UK and giving back to the local communities we serve each day.”