Starbucks, the renowned coffee and breakfast chain, has revealed hundreds of their locations across the United States are closing for good. Many buildings throughout our nation have decided to shut down after a corporate review of their customer service policies and each coffeehouse’s execution of their core values. Brian Niccol, current chairman and CEO of Starbucks writes to his employees, “During the review, we identified coffeehouses where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance, and these locations will be closed.” Starbucks intends to take a “quality over quantity” approach for the next fiscal year by pushing their customer service motives and investing more into specific locations.
Including the 1403 N Marion Rd location (the closest to Jefferson), three locations are closing in Sioux Falls. Aleyah Bauchspiess, a current high school senior attending Jefferson says, “With more locations closing, it makes it harder for me to find places to go during my blended periods.” This Starbucks is a well-known study spot for students. Starbucks’ building and atmosphere are much more fit for school work compared to the Dairy Queen or Kwik Star nearby.
Coffee bars are more than just profit, revenue, and customer service. They’re study havens, temporary offices, and hangout spots. Each Starbucks is more comparable to a community than a business. The removal of this Starbucks may prove beneficial to the corporate, but have they thought about the customers?
