The New York Times · 24 Sep, 16:18 · Business briefing

Starbucks to Close 250 Stores in the US

Starbucks is closing approximately 250 underperforming stores across the United States, according to recent reports.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

26%average salary uplift after a professional certificate

2.7xfaster promotion for certified professionals

71%of leaders prefer candidates who upskill continuously

20days to your first credential

The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Starbucks is closing approximately 250 underperforming stores across the United States, according to recent reports. This strategic retreat reflects broader challenges in the retail sector, including shifting consumer habits and operational inefficiencies. The company aims to optimise its portfolio by focusing on higher-performing locations and digital engagement channels. For professionals, this signals a continued industry shift towards leaner operations and data-driven decision-making, rather than aggressive physical expansion.

Employer demand for Tourism And Hospitality skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This consolidation highlights the growing premium on operational efficiency and data-led strategy. You should focus on skills that drive profitability and customer retention in mature markets. Professionals in retail, hospitality, and general management must demonstrate the ability to analyse performance metrics and pivot quickly. Prioritise learning data analytics to interpret consumer behaviour and identify underperforming assets early. Simultaneously, strengthen your project management capabilities to oversee complex restructuring initiatives with minimal disruption. Smart professionals will also explore digital transformation strategies, ensuring they can bridge physical and online experiences effectively. Position yourself as a problem-solver who can navigate contraction phases while maintaining brand integrity and employee morale during transitions.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Tourism And Hospitality, Data Science, Project Management and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.