Starbucks is making some major changes, and if you have gotten used to grabbing your coffee without stepping inside, this might affect you. The company has decided to shut down around 90 of its pickup-only grab-and-go stores by next year. The reason? They say these stores feel too cold and disconnected—and that is not what the Starbucks brand stands for. Let us break it down simply, so you know what is happening and why it matters.
Why is starbucks closing its pickup-only stores?
Starbucks’ new CEO, Laxman Narasimhan, wants to bring back the heart of the Starbucks experience: warm coffeehouses where people can connect, sit, and enjoy their drinks.
Here is what he said:
“The grab and go model was overly transactional and lacking the warmth and human connection that defines our brand.”
So basically, these stores were convenient, but they felt more like vending machines than welcoming coffee shops. The goal now is to get back to what made Starbucks popular in the first place—offering a cozy, welcoming place to stay awhile.
What is a pickup-only store?
If you are not sure what a grab-and-go Starbucks store is, here is a quick explanation:
- These stores were designed for mobile orders only.
- There was no seating and no counter to order from.
- You just picked up your drink and left—no chatting with baristas, no music, no space to relax.
While this was helpful for people in a rush, it just did not feel like a “real” Starbucks for many customers.
How many stores are closing, and what will happen to them?
Right now, there are about 80 to 90 of these pickup-only stores in North America. Starbucks says:
- Some of these locations will shut down completely.
- Others will be transformed into full-service coffeehouses with tables, seating, and that familiar Starbucks atmosphere.
The company says this is all part of a larger plan to review its store portfolio and make sure every location helps the business grow and gives customers the experience they want.
Is this part of a bigger strategy?
Yes, it is. Narasimhan launched what he calls the “Back to Starbucks” strategy. It is all about:
- Making stores more inviting
- Improving the culture for employees
- Getting customers to stay longer instead of just picking up drinks
- Creating the best retail job experience for workers
- Focusing on long-term growth over short-term convenience
He is not just closing stores. Earlier this year, Starbucks also:
- Cut 1,100 support jobs to make teams leaner and more efficient
- Closed hundreds of unfilled roles
- Asked corporate workers to return to the office four days a week
- Simplified the menu to reduce wait times and allow more creativity
- Improved pricing transparency on the app so customers are not caught off guard
What changes are happening in the stores?
To make stores more welcoming, Starbucks is bringing back some small but meaningful touches:
- The condiment bar is back for you to add cream, sugar, and flavors
- Baristas now offer mugs when you order “for here”
- You can get free refills on hot or iced brewed coffee and tea if you are staying in-store
- The company has also boosted employee benefits, including doubling paid parental leave
These may seem like small things, but they are part of a bigger plan to make your Starbucks visit feel more personal again.
What does this mean for you?
If you use pickup-only stores, you may need to:
- Switch to traditional Starbucks locations
- Expect more seating and a more social vibe
- Still use mobile ordering, but with a better in-store experience.
Starbucks is not getting rid of mobile ordering. In fact, they believe their digital tools are strong enough to still give you convenience—but without losing the human touch.
Related article:
Starbucks’ change with Pumpkin Spice Latte returning to menus across the U.S. on August 26
