Starbucks has announced that it will close 16 different stores across the United States, six of them located in Los Angeles County. The coffee giant cited the personal safety of its employees as the main reason for this measure, as they have been affected by the disruptive behavior of members of the public in certain places. Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson, senior vice presidents of Starbucks, wrote a letter stating that employees are seeing firsthand the challenges facing the personal safety of our communities, such as racism, lack of access to health care, the growing mental health crisis, increased drug use and more. Newszape reported on this news and Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, wrote in an announcement how the move is part of the reinvention of Starbucks and that the company focuses on safety, welcome and friendliness for our stores. However, some employees have reacted to this move, as they were allegedly not consulted about the closure of these stores.
Mari Cosgrove, an employee at one of the Seattle stores that is closing, told USA Today that employees think it's not fair that they weren't allowed to be part of this decision about their working conditions. The six Starbucks locations in Los Angeles that will close at the end of July are Santa Monica & Westmount, West Hollywood, California Western Hollywood & Los Angeles, California. This closure is due to an increase in crime and drug use among customers and non-paying customers, which has made employees feel uncomfortable. Starbucks is taking this measure to ensure that their employees feel safe while working in their stores.
The company is also taking other measures to ensure safety in their stores. They are increasing security staff in certain locations and providing additional training for employees on how to handle difficult situations. They are also working with local law enforcement to ensure that their stores are safe for everyone. Additionally, they are providing mental health resources for their employees who may be affected by these closures.
Starbucks is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for its customers and employees alike. The company is taking steps to ensure that their stores remain safe and secure for everyone who visits them. By closing these six locations in Los Angeles, they are taking a proactive approach to ensure that their employees feel safe while working in their stores.
