Several Pennsylvania Starbucks locations are closing as part of the chain’s plan to shut down underperforming stores.
Last week, the Seattle based chain announced it is closing about 200 shops by the end of the year and laying off 900 non-retail employees as part of a turnaround.
Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said in a letter sent to employees last week that the company identified locations where it doesn’t see a path to financial stability or isn’t able to create the physical environment customers expect.
“Each year, we open and close coffeehouses for a variety of reasons, from financial performance to lease expirations,” Niccol wrote. “This is a more significant action that we understand will impact partners and customers. Our coffeehouses are centers of the community, and closing any location is difficult.”
The coffee giant said it will operate about 18,300 locations in the U.S. and Canada by the end of the year.
The closure impacts stores nationwide. In Pennsylvania, a Starbucks at 101 N. Queen St. in Lancaster closed on Sunday, according to WGAL.
Other closures are reported in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
According to CBS News, five Philadelphia stores are closing, including:
1709 Chestnut St.
1128 Walnut St.
1900 Market St.
1801 Spruce St.
490 N Broad St.
In Pittsburgh, the Tribune-Review reports three Starbuck’s store closures, including 1400 E. Carson St. in South Side, 3931 Butler St. in Lawrenceville and 4 W. North Ave. in North Side.
Niccol said Starbucks plans to increase its North American store count in its next fiscal year. The company said it also plans to redesign more than 1,000 locations in the next 12 months to give them a warmer, more welcoming feel.