Starbucks to close 400 locations

Starbucks will close hundreds of its coffee shops nationwide in response to the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Seattle-based coffee company announced recently that it lost $3.2 billion in revenue from the pandemic, according to Bloomberg. The company is looking to close 400 of its company-owned locations over the next 18 months to accelerate its changing store format, USA Today reported. According to the company, consumers' behaviors have shifted due to the pandemic, leading the company to open more curbside pickup, drive-thru and mobile-only pickup locations. "Starbucks stores have always been known as the 'third place,' a welcoming place outside of our home and work where we connect over a cup of coffee," Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said. "As we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, we are accelerating our store transformation plans to address the realities of the current situation, while still providing a safe, familiar and convenient experience for our customers." There are four Starbucks in the Sandusky-area — one in Target, one in Kroger and one at Cedar Point. The only stand-alone location in the area is on Milan Road near Meijer. The company hasn't released which shops will be closing and if pick-up-only locations will be opened in their place. Despite the announced closings, the company still expects to open 300 new stores this year.