Starbucks Cuts 300 U.S. Support Roles, Closes Offices

Starbucks announced Friday that it is eliminating approximately 300 U.S. support roles and closing several regional offices as part of its ongoing corporate restructuring under the Back to Starbucks strategy.

The cuts target corporate functions such as marketing, human resources and supply chain management, with no impact on coffeehouse employees. The Seattle-based company is consolidating underused office space in cities including Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and Burbank. It is also streamlining leases and real estate commitments, including a 280 million dollar reduction in the book value of facilities like roasteries and nonretail support sites. A company spokesperson said in a statement, "Leaders have taken a hard look at their respective functions to further sharpen focus, prioritize work, reduce complexity, and lower costs. As a result, we're eliminating approximately 300 U.S. support roles."

Starbucks is reviewing its international organization and anticipates additional role impacts outside the United States as it positions itself as a world-class licensor. The moves are expected to result in 400 million dollars in restructuring charges, including 120 million dollars in...