Starbucks plans closings of 400 stores, adds carryout options

Starbucks is changing hundreds of its North American stores away from the traditional cafe model and will be expanding its pickup-only and to-go business, according to a CNN report.

The strategy shift is in response to consumer behavior changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closings will happen across the U.S. and Canada over the next 18 months while at the same time adding carryout and pickup-only locations.

Starbucks expects to open about 300 new North American stores that specialize in carryout and pickup options.