Starbucks Announces 250 Store Closures In September 2026, Including Canadian Locations

Starbucks announced on September 24, 2026 that it would close approximately 250 North American stores later that week, according to a company statement. Canadian locations are among those affected.

The number of Canadian employees losing their jobs has not been publicly confirmed. The 250 figure refers to stores, not employees.

If you receive a termination or severance package, do not sign it before finding out what you could be owed.

On This Page:

• 1. Closures At A Glance
• 2. What Starbucks Announced
• 3. Canadian Locations
• 4. Transfers And Severance
• 5. What Employees Should Do

Starbucks Store Closures At A Glance

What Starbucks Announced

Starbucks said it selected locations following a review of its North American stores. The company cited difficulties meeting its customer-experience goals or achieving acceptable financial performance.

Reuters reported that the closures would generate approximately US$300 million in restructuring charges. Starbucks expected most closures to be completed by the end of its 2026 fiscal year and reduced its forecast for global net new stores to approximately 440, from 600 to 650.

This is a separate development from the 900 non-retail job cuts announced in September 2025. That earlier figure should not be presented as the employee total for this closure round.

Which Canadian Starbucks Locations Are Affected?

Canadian closures are confirmed, but a complete official national list is not available. Global News separately verified eight B.C. closures.

On September 25, 6ix Retail reported at least 37 Canadian locations: 12 in Ontario, 10 in Quebec, 10 in British Columbia, four in Alberta and one in New Brunswick.

That reported list is not a company-confirmed national total. The publication combined on-site checks with store-locator information and cautioned that online hours can also reflect temporary closures.

Its Toronto reporting identified 350 Bay Street as closed on September 25. Posted notices at 485 Church Street and 123 Portland Street indicated September 26 would be their last day.

Store counts also do not establish how many employees will lose their jobs. Transfers and individual staffing decisions can change the employment impact.

What Has Starbucks Said About Transfers And Severance?

Starbucks says it will try to place affected employees in other stores. The Associated Press reported that employees who cannot be placed elsewhere would receive severance support.

The public statement did not set out a Canadian payment formula or confirm how many employees would transfer. Employees need their own written information to understand whether their employment is continuing or ending.

What Should Affected Canadian Employees Do?

Ask for your termination letter or transfer proposal in writing. Before resigning, refusing a transfer or signing a release, get advice about the terms and how they affect your rights.

For employees in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, severance depends on individual circumstances, including age, service, position and contract. Employment-standards minimums may not be the full entitlement, and some cases can reach 24 months of compensation.

Our free Severance Pay Calculator offers a starting estimate. Have your complete offer reviewed before deciding whether to accept it.

Before you sign, always check first. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia understand their severance offers and options.

Sources

• Starbucks: September 24, 2026 closure announcement.
• Reuters: Closure plans, restructuring charges and revised store forecast.
• 6ix Retail: Canadian locations and verification caveats.
• Global News: Verified British Columbia closures.
• Associated Press: Store closures and employee support.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information, not legal advice about an individual situation. Reporting on closures does not establish that Starbucks has breached an employee’s rights.