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In response to COVID-19, Starbucks is making huge changes. According to USA Today, the coffee chain announced that they would be closing up to 400 locations over the next 18 months and focus on “convenience-led” formats for their open stores.
Keep reading for all the details!
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According to Starbucks' statement, "Over the next 18 months, Starbucks will increase convenience-led formats in company-operated locations with drive-thru and curbside pickup options, as well as Starbucks® Pickup locations."
These pickup options became increasingly popular due to the spread of coronavirus.
"Curbside pickup is an experience accelerated due to the COVID crisis as well as customers’ increasing need for convenience in on-the-go occasions," the statement explains.
With that in mind, Starbucks plans to expand curbside pickup to more store locations as well as " pilot a select number of locations to exclusively offer this format."
Starbucks drive-thru is also getting an upgrade: "The company will also design new experiences that could include double lane drive-thru, or drive-thru plus curbside pickup, all of which would leverage the ordering and payment capabilities of the Starbucks App."
Kevin Johnson, Starbucks' CEO, explained these changes, emphasizing the importance of providing customers with a safe and comfortable experience: "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."
